Family planning is growing popularity among couples in Sokoto State as economic challenges and increased awareness of its benefits drive demand for delivery spacing services. Experts emphasise that family planning prevents unplanned pregnancies and reduces mother-to-child HIV transmission, providing important health benefits to families and communities.
During visits to Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Tambuwal, Jabo, and Durbawa in the Tambuwal and Kware local governments, it was discovered that the number of husbands urging their wives to obtain family planning services has greatly increased. This trend is ascribed to the country’s economic situation, with families valuing stability and planning. Our correspondent also said that community members and parents are recommending couples to look into delivery spacing strategies in order to avoid early and unwanted pregnancies.
Miss Amratu Ibrahim, a family planning service provider at a PHC in Tambuwal, stated that demand has increased compared to prior years. “We have many more clientele presently. Housewives and married couples are increasingly supportive of family planning, with many looking into implants to space their pregnancies.
In October alone, we had 203 women opt for implants and injections, with an average of 30 clients per day,” she stated. Ibrahim attributed the growth to economic pressures, more awareness, and supportive husbands who accompany their women to counselling. “People are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of family planning, particularly in today’s harsh economic climate. “Many couples come together, including men seeking condoms, demonstrating a new level of openness and support,” she noted.
Another healthcare worker, Hajiya Asabe Zaki, cleared up misconceptions about family planning, stating that it is really beneficial for couples. She reminded couples that the health centre conducts extensive examinations before implementing any procedure to ensure safety and encouraged them to take advantage of the free services provided by the state.
Aisha Balarabe Kajiji, a mother of five, spoke on the benefits of family planning. After implementing the implant procedure in 2020, she stated, “With my husband’s support, we decided to plan after our second child.” The implant has made life easier, allowing us to concentrate on our children’s futures and my own health.” She stated that the strategy has enhanced her family’s quality of life by allowing her to heal and focus on their well-being.
Another client, Rakiya Balarabe, described how her husband pushed her to use the implant method after their second child was born in February. “Since then, life has been much easier for us.
“I can now care for our two children and support my husband without worrying about unplanned pregnancies,” she explained. The growing acceptability of family planning in Sokoto shows a shift in attitudes among couples, who now see childbirth spacing as a way to promote family health and economic stability.
