8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference 2024; Presenting the Hormonal IUD Access Group
The Nigeria Family Planning Conference has long been a critical forum for advancing reproductive health initiatives across the nation, but this year’s event took a different approach. With FHI 360 in collaboration with the Research on Scale-up of the Hormonal IUD in New and Emerging Markets (SHINE) a renewed focus on improving access to hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), the conference showcased how modern contraceptive methods are transforming lives, empowering women, and driving progress toward the FP2030 goals.
The Hormonal IUD Access Group is a global consortium of governments, donors, researchers, manufacturers, procurement agencies, and service delivery groups collaborating to expand access to hormonal IUD.
Since 2015, the Hormonal IUD Access Group has supported national governments interested in learning more about the Hormonal IUD, planning for introduction, and scaling up the method through knowledge generation and exchange, technical assistance, and proactive management of market challenges.
Family planning is about more than contraceptives— it’s about people. Behind every statistic is a woman navigating her choices, a family trying to thrive, or a community working to overcome barriers. At its core, the Nigeria Family Planning Conference was a call to action— one that reminds us that family planning is not just a health issue; it is a human rights issue. It is about ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Hormonal IUDs— a long-acting, reversible contraceptive method —are increasingly recognized for their ability to address Nigeria’s unique reproductive health challenges. Yet beyond the clinical data and public health strategies discussed at the conference, it was the personal stories shared by women, healthcare providers, and advocates that underscored the profound impact of family planning on individuals and communities alike.
Hormonal IUDs offer more than just convenience. They reduce the burden of heavy periods; help manage symptoms of conditions like endometriosis and eliminate the need for daily pills or regular clinic visits. These benefits, paired with their long-term effectiveness, are changing the lives of women, allowing them to prioritize their health, education, and careers.
The conference did not shy away from addressing the challenges, either. Cultural stigmas and misconceptions around IUDs remain significant barriers, especially in rural areas.
However, the conference also showcased initiatives designed to overcome these barriers. Grassroots organizations are working within communities to educate women about family planning options, dispelling misconceptions through dialogue.
From the clinical to the community level, hormonal IUDs align with the broader FP2030 agenda by providing women with a safe, reliable, and discreet contraceptive method. Furthermore, expanding access to hormonal IUDs directly addresses Nigeria’s high unmet need for contraception, helping to reduce maternal mortality and improve economic outcomes for families.