World Population Day: TCI Urges Comprehensive Population Control In Nigeria
The Challenge Initiative (TCI) says there is an urgent need for sustainable and comprehensive family planning and childbirth spacing programme to address the challenges of rapid population growth in Nigeria.
TCI made the call in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos to commemorate the World Population Day 2024, themed “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All”.
“We align with the urgent need for sustainable and comprehensive family planning/childbirth spacing programme to address the challenges of rapid population growth in Nigeria.
“This year’s theme underscores the critical role of inclusive data in fostering sustainable development and ensuring that every Nigerian has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”
It recalled that 30 years ago, the International Conference on Population Development (ICPD) recognized the importance of placing people at the centre of development.
“This milestone has led to significant advancements in reproductive health care, reductions in maternal mortality, and improvements in gender equality.
“A vital yet often underappreciated driver of these achievements has been the strategic use of data.
“Since 1994, numerous initiatives, including the UN Secretary General’s call for a “data revolution,” have bolstered countries’ abilities to collect and analyse data crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Despite these advancements, gaps remain, particularly for marginalized communities,” it added.
The TCI said Nigeria still faces significant challenges with rapid population growth that’s exacerbating poverty, straining healthcare systems, and impeding sustainable development.
With the country’s current population exceeding 200 million, and projections indicating continued rapid growth, TCI said Nigeria should embrace inclusive and comprehensive data collection and analysis for effective family planning.
“This is essential to manage the demographic trend, ensuring that resources are adequately allocated to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians, says Dr. Taiwo Johnson, the country team lead at TCI.
According to her, the 2024 World Population Day is a pivotal moment for Nigeria to reflect on her challenges and the importance of family planning and childbirth spacing in addressing the country’s unique demographic needs, particularly in urban, peri-urban, rural and underserved areas.
TCI said it has supported 23 States across the country, adding that there has been tremendous progress in sexual and reproductive health over the last 30 years, driven by improved data collection and analysis for better planning and monitoring.
“The country must continue to prioritize investments in population data systems, ensuring data collection is safe and inclusive.
“Specifically, new data tools can highlight invisible issues but must be managed carefully to avoid biases and privacy risks.
“For sustainability and enhanced resilience, the country must sustain the current progress and ensure inclusive programming to accommodate the most marginalized communities excluded from advancements, and growing inequalities in healthcare access.
“Nigeria must invest in inclusive, equitable, and transparent data collection processes and emphasize family planning to manage population growth.
“This investment will ensure the creation of resilient systems that reflect the diverse experiences of all Nigerians, leading to a sustainable and prosperous future where rights and choices are enjoyed by everyone.”
TCI funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Bayer, is a global urban reproductive health initiative designed to support states in achieving greater self-reliance in scaling up family planning, and adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health.
In Nigeria, TCI has since 2016 being implemented by the Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communication Programmes in Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Borno, Delta, Edo, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.
