World Contraception Day 2025: How Akwa Ibom disseminated information on sexual, reproductive health

The World Contraception Day 2025 was marked in many nations across the globe on Friday 26th September, to improve awareness on the benefits of family planning and to enable young people to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health.

It has been a yearly event since 2007 and backed globally by family planning organisations and now supported by many groups and organisations including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), with the aim of continuously making “accurate information about contraception widely available.”

In Akwa Ibom State, the ministry of health in partnership with the state primary healthcare development agency alongside The Challenge Initiative (TCI) brought home the message of the 2025 WCD with the theme: A choice for all, agency, intention and access,” to a wider available when the day was celebrated with a a colourful roadwork with blaring loudspeakers disseminating messages about family planning which targeted market women at the popular Akpan Andem Market in Uyo, the state capital.

It all began when health workers, family planning advocates, NGOs, officials of the state government from the state primary healthcare development agency gathered at the agency’s imposing office along Barrack roads, decked in colourful T-shirts getting set to hit the ground running with the roadwork.

They were joined by a popular DJ in town who came in a car carrying musical equipment and a generator that provided the stage for the roadwork that engaged the attention of passersby while information about family planning contained in leaflets was shared.

The roadwork led by Sam Obase of TCI and Enobong Eshiet of the state primary health development agency took off as TCI reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to reproductive health services, by equipping communities with knowledge, tools and systems they need strengthen local family planning and maternal newborn, amd child health services.

It explained that as part of its global commitment, it pointed out that it will participate in the international conference on Family Planning in Bogota, Colombia which it said will feature multiple sessions and presentations, highlighting local impact and innovations.

Addressing the gathering opposite the Akpan Andem Market, Enobong, reiterated the key messages of family planning services being that it is choice for all, the tools are safe and helps in the prevention of unplanned pregnancy and a guarantee to safe sex.

“Family Planning is a not a crime, it is not a sin, it is safe and effective, we are tired of unwanted pregnancies, it is like immunisation given to our children,

Do not go for unsafe abortion, a lot of women have been rendered infertile due to criminal abortion, take responsibility for your reproductive health,’’ she said.

Lamenting the high rate of mortality in the state which she said has resulted in the declaration of a state of emergency in the health sector, she said having babies every year puts the woman’s life at risk and urged women of reproductive age to seize the opportunity provided by the WCD to obtain correct information about contraceptives, doing away with myths and misconceptions about FP services.

“It does not render women infertile, we are here to share information on the facts about Family Planning,” she said.

Experts say sexual feelings are normal but sexual activities should only be engaged in when one is consciously ready and fully convinced.

“You need to respect your body and that of your partner. Never hesitate to talk to parents, trusted friends or health workers if you feel pressured to have sex when you don’t want to. Resist sex based on transaction, pity and threat; you own your body and must make conscious personal decisions before engaging in sex,” they warn.

The WCD 2025 and its activities may have come and gone after much ado, but the message of safe sex, prevention of unwanted pregnancies and setting the right goals will without doubt continue to resonate in many communities as stakeholders engage in steps towards improvement in the sexual and reproductive health of individuals, particularly among the adolescents in society.

Caption:

Enobong Eshiet (l) and Sam Obase (far right) during the WCD celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.