Unplanned pregnancies: Community sensitised on sexual, reproductive health

A non-governmental organization, the Gender Awareness Trust (GAT) has begun the sensitization of communities in Kaduna State on reproductive health issues. The NGO said the campaign, which kicked off in the Down Quarters community in Kaduna South Local Government Area, was part of efforts to reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies in the state. Prices […]

A non-governmental organization, the Gender Awareness Trust (GAT) has begun the sensitization of communities in Kaduna State on reproductive health issues.

The NGO said the campaign, which kicked off in the Down Quarters community in Kaduna South Local Government Area, was part of efforts to reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies in the state.

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The campaign, which is supported by PathFinder International, was conducted for adolescent girls, women of reproductive age, youths, community leaders, religious leaders, traditional leaders, politicians and government functionaries.

Speaking at the campaign, the Executive Director, GAT, Dr Lydia Umar, said the development became necessary to address identified barriers hindering women of childbearing age within the community from accessing sexual and reproductive health services such as family planning methods even when the services are available within their reach.

The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Down Quarters, Reverend Titus Gwamna, urged the stakeholders to support initiatives that will increase the life expectancy of women of childbearing age in the state.

The Imam of Down Quarters, Malam Muhammad Abdullahi, said Islam and Christianity do not allow women and men who are not married to engage in sexual activities.