Report: Only 18% of married couples in Nigeria use modern contraceptives for birth spacing
Report: Only 18% of married couples in Nigeria use modern ... TheCable
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A Report on Contraceptive Use in Nigeria
Introduction
A report by BudgIT, a civic-tech organisation, reveals that only 18 percent of couples in Nigeria use modern contraceptives for childbirth spacing.
This information is part of the findings presented in the 2023 edition of BudgIT’s annual ‘State of States Report’, which was launched on Tuesday in Abuja.
Assessment of Healthcare Delivery
The report, titled ‘Subnational Healthcare Delivery for Improved Economic Development’, evaluates the fiscal performance of all 36 states and highlights the state of healthcare delivery for improved economic development.
Contraceptive Use in Nigeria
According to the report, among married people or those in unions, only 18% use modern contraceptives for limiting or spacing births. However, this number rises to 32.5% among people who are not in a union.
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The report further states that contraceptive use varies across regions, ranging from 9 percent in the north-east to 29.8 percent in the south-west among married couples.
“Of concern is the share of the sexually active population without any method (whether modern or traditional) of contraception. This ranges from 64.6% in the south-west to 90.2% in the north-east,” the report reads.
“This suggests that more efforts are needed to educate the public about the use and benefits of contraceptives for family planning and for limiting unwanted pregnancies.”
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Under-Five Mortality Rates
The report highlights the under-five mortality rates in different regions of Nigeria. The south-west region recorded the lowest figures at 48 deaths per 1,000 live births, while the north-west had the worst regional record with 158 deaths per 1,000 live births.
“Within the south-west, the survey showed that Lagos and Osun met the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of no more than 25 deaths per 1,000 live births,” the report states.
“Similarly, Ebonyi in the south-east region met the under-5 SDG target. Other states must intensify efforts to reduce under-5 mortality rates for their citizens before the 2030 deadline.”
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Fertility Rates and Teenage Pregnancies
The report also examines fertility rates among women of childbearing age (15 to 49 years old). The highest fertility rate was observed in the north-west region with an average of 6 births per woman, while the south-east and south-south regions had the lowest fertility rates with an average of 4 births per woman.
The prevalence of teenage pregnancies followed a similar pattern, with the lowest numbers reported in the south-east and the highest prevalence in the north-west.
“Addressing teenage pregnancy in the country is important due to the increased risks and the health, emotional, and psychological challenges associated with teenage pregnancies,” the report emphasizes.
Insufficient Revenue Generation
In his keynote address at the event, Olumide Okunola, a World Bank health specialist, highlights Nigeria’s inadequate health spending.
He states that suboptimal service delivery in health hinders development outcomes and weakens the social contract between the state and citizens.
“As a nation, we are lagging in our demographic planning due to insufficient revenue generation, which hampers our ability to achieve positive health outcomes,” he explains.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including for family planning, information, and education.
- SDG 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Contraceptive use among married couples for childbirth spacing
- Contraceptive use among people not in a union
- Share of sexually active population without any method of contraception
- Under-five mortality rate per 1,000 live births
- Fertility rate among women of childbearing age
- Adolescent birth rate
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including for family planning, information, and education. | – Contraceptive use among married couples for childbirth spacing – Contraceptive use among people not in a union – Share of sexually active population without any method of contraception – Under-five mortality rate per 1,000 live births |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences. | – Contraceptive use among married couples for childbirth spacing – Contraceptive use among people not in a union – Share of sexually active population without any method of contraception – Fertility rate among women of childbearing age – Adolescent birth rate |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | N/A |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: thecable.ng
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