FIC Report (Sokoto State) – The Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA) has commended The Challenge Initiative (TIC) for its effort in promoting family planning advocacy in the State.TIC which is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-Funded programme, has been working in Sokoto State to improve access to family planning services and increase awareness about the benefits of family planning.
The Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Larai Tambuwal, represented by the Director of Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization, Muhammad Dahiru Kamaru, stated this at a one day TIC/ACSM roundtable progress and challenges review meeting held at the Epidemiological unit of the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto.
According to the Executive Secretary, TIC’S support has contributed significantly to the state’s progress in family planning, particularly in increasing the Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR). TIC,has been providing technical and financial support to the Sokoto PHCDA to strengthen the state’s Family Planning Programme, including training of Health Care Providers, procuring family planning commodities and promoting Community – Based Family planning services.
Tambuwal, stated that, the meeting presented a vital opportunity to review the past progress, confronting ongoing challenges and developing strategies for future success. She, urged the participants to share their experiences, insights and expertise to ensure a unified approach in achieving shared objectives. She said that the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency remains committed towards advocating for policies and programs that will prioritize citizens’ health and well-being.
The partnership between the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency and The Challenge Initiative has also led to the establishment of family planning units in Primary Health Care facilities across the State, making family planning more accessible to couples.
In his remarks, the Sokoto State TIC manager, Bello Abubakar Kilgori, underscored the role of advocacy in achieving specific goals. “Through collective efforts in advocacy, we can ensure that family planning reaches out to those who need them most”, he added.
Participants shared a consensus that advocacy should address cultural and societal misconceptions, improve access to services, and ensure that family planning methods are affordable and accessible.
In attendance were the Sokoto State Manager TIC, Bello Abubakar Kilgori, the Director of Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilization, Dahiru Kamaru, the District Head of Gagi, Sani Umar Jabi, and health service providers among others.
Signed
Sani Ramatu (Mrs),
AD (IPRO),
FIC, Sokoto.
