By Khadija Ishaq Bawas
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said more women risk maternal mortality amidst the Covid19 pandemic.
According to the UNFPA, the COVID-19 pandemic could have serious consequences for women’s health by disrupting access to sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services.
Among the risk groups the UNFPA identified are pregnant women who need antenatal care but are unsure of whether to attend a clinic, and women in abusive relationships trapped at home during the COVID-19 lockdown.
During a webinar session organised by The Network of Reproductive Health Journalists in Nigeria (NRHJN) to mark the 2020 World Population Day, Dr. Ejike Oji, BOT Chair of NRHJN said “government was not doing enough in terms of public health.”
“They put more emphasis on clinical health. I think it’s a good thing that family planning has been captured in the Federal Government’s budget,” he added.
Dr Oji Commended the Lagos State Government for including family planning services in its Health Insurance Scheme and called on other states to emulate the practice.
He lamented that government did not have plans for the youths, who constitute the majority of the population of the country.
He called on journalists to hold government responsible and ensure that a plan to deliver social and economic development for the youths is put in place inflatable park.
Dr. Ejike Oji commended NRHJN for being instrumental in the passage of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) – VAPP bill into law.
