Zamfara Pledges Strong Support For Hormonal -IUD Project, Prioritizing Women's Health

By Aminu Abdullahi Gusau 

In a significant step towards improving women's health, the Zamfara State Ministry of Health has announced its full commitment to the Hormonal -IUD Project across all its activities.

This pledge was made on Wednesday during the Inception Meeting and Launch of the Hormonal -IUD Project held in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State.

Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, the Commissioner of Health, emphasized the Ministry's dedication to raising public awareness, particularly among women, about the benefits and proper use of the Hormonal -IUD for effective family planning.

Representing the Commissioner, the Executive Secretary of the Hospital Services Management Board, Mustapha Marafa, reiterated the Zamfara State government's unwavering commitment to supporting women's health within the state.

He conveyed the Commissioner's message, stating, "The Zamfara state government will never relent in its efforts of supporting women in the health sector."

Marafa further announced that the state government has prioritized the renovation of all hospitals within the next year, with a specific focus on enhancing facilities for women and children.

Dr. Maradun expressed gratitude to the Health for Life and Development Foundation (HELDEF) for their partnership with the Ministry of Health in this vital project.

Earlier in the meeting,  a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO), affirmed the organization's readiness to support the Hormonal -IUD Project within the state.

Dr. Abubakar Danladi, the H-IUD Project Team Lead, provided a comprehensive explanation of the importance and advantages of the Hormonal -IUD for women's well-being in the community.

He clarified that the project's objective is to enhance the Health and overall well-being of women in Zamfara State, without conflicting with any religious or cultural values.

The Hormonal -IUD is a long-acting reversible contraceptive method known for its high efficacy and additional health benefits, including the potential to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and related anemia.

The project aims to increase access to this modern family planning option, empowering women with greater choices for their reproductive health.

This initiative underscores the Zamfara State government's commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for women, aligning with broader efforts to promote maternal and child health across Nigeria.

The collaboration between the Ministry of Health, WHO, and HELDEF signifies a unified approach towards achieving these crucial health goals.

HELDEF acknowledged the support of the state government through the state Ministry of Health, Hospital Services Management Board (HSMB), and the State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB).

The project, supported by the Catalytic Opportunity Fund (COF), will train 50 health providers across 23 General Hospitals and 2 Tertiary hospitals in the initial phase. An additional 250 health providers will be trained in the second phase, primarily in primary healthcare facilities. This capacity-building effort aims to address the unmet need for family planning services within the state.

The project is supported by the Catalytic Opportunity Fund (COF) and led by HELDEF Executive Director Dr. Abubakar Danladi, with Hajia Amina Bala serving as the Zamfara State Coordinator.

The statement was signed and issued to newsmen in Gusau by Suleiman Isah, ANIPR, Information Officer Ministry Of Health.