The Lagos State Ministry of Health with support from the International Society of Media in Public Health ( ISMPH) and EngenderHealth among other partners, joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 World Contraception Day with a renewed call for wider access to family planning services and increased awareness about reproductive health rights.
Commemorated every year on September 26, the 2025 themed "Empowering Choices, Your Future, Your Control," brought together government officials, health experts, and development partners who emphasised the importance of enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health without coercion or discrimination.
Briefing journalists, Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, reiterated that the state remains committed to ensuring that residents have access to safe, effective, and affordable contraceptive services. She noted that despite Lagos having one of the country's best modern contraceptive prevalence rates at 37 percent, rising urban migration from other states and neighboring countries continues to increase demand for healthcare.
According to her, reducing the state's fertility rate of 2.3 percent is critical to improving the quality of life of citizens, reducing maternal mortality, and supporting economic development. She outlined the benefits of family planning, including reducing maternal deaths by up to 34 percent, improving child survival rates, protecting reproductive health rights, and helping women attain their career and life goals.
She added that Lagos has made significant strides through partnerships with civil society groups, private healthcare providers, and international organizations such as the United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA), Engender Health, and the Gates Foundation. Initiatives such as self-injectable contraceptives for women in underserved communities, postpartum family planning, and the training of providers across more than 350 state facilities have improved uptake and expanded access.
On his part, Permanent Secretary Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, assured residents that the family planning options available in state facilities are safe and reversible, giving couples flexibility when planning their families. He encouraged Lagosians to take full advantage of the free services provided across all public health facilities.
Also, State Technical Adviser for the Integrate Project of the Society for Family Health, Mr. Sanl Ochepo, called for stronger collaboration among development partners. He explained that SFH is working with private and community-based providers to make family planning services more accessible and affordable, particularly at the grassroots level.
Speakers at the event urged open discussions about reproductive health in families, schools, and workplaces to counter myths and eliminate barriers that prevent people from accessing contraceptives. They stressed that family planning is a shared responsibility that not only improves health outcomes but also contributes to stronger families and a healthier society.