IPAS launches 7-yr programme to curb unsafe abortion in Anambra
Africa
THE International Non-Governmental Organisation for Safe Abortion and Contraception (IPAS) has unveiled a seven-year programme to reduce unsafe abortion and improve access to post-abortion care and contraceptive services in Anambra.
The Co-Director of IPAS, Mr Samsu Gombwer, disclosed this in Awka, on Wednesday, when he led a delegation, including a former Anambra Commissioner for Health, Prof. Brian Adinma, on a courtesy visit to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike.
Gombwer said the programme was designed to strengthen existing interventions and improve access to appropriate reproductive health services in the state.
“The programme will focus on three major areas, namely policy, community engagement and health system strengthening.
“IPAS plans to support about 20 additional health facilities in Anambra, building on its previous interventions in 19 facilities.
“The programme will commence with stakeholder engagement and an assessment of the state’s health system, followed by baseline assessments and training of state trainers,” he said.
Gombwer also said that the trained personnel would provide continuous on-the-job training for healthcare workers, particularly in post-abortion care and contraceptive services.
He said IPAS had worked with the State Ministry of Health over the past two years on policy dissemination and capacity building for healthcare workers.
He thanked the commissioner for receiving the delegation and expressed IPAS’s readiness to sustain its partnership with the State Government.
Responding, Obidike said the state was pleased to be selected as one of the five priority states among the eight chosen for the intervention.
He said the state would make most use of the opportunity to strengthen its maternal and reproductive health services.
The commissioner said the long-term nature of the programme placed a major responsibility on the state and its partners to ensure that its objectives were achieved.
He underscored the need for effective collaboration among government officials, agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the success of the programme.
Obidike further highlighted the importance of improving access to contraceptive and family planning services, pointing out that better access could contribute to reducing maternal deaths.
He expressed optimism that the partnership with IPAS would strengthen ongoing efforts to improve maternal health and provide better care for women requiring reproductive health services.(NAN)
M.P
Tags: Curb unsafe abortion IPAS