2024, the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) aligns with this year’s theme: “Expanding Access and Education for Safe Contraception.” This theme highlights the crucial role family planning plays in offering choices to men and women of reproductive age, thereby improving women’s and children’s health through healthy timing and fostering sustainable development.

SOGON congratulates the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Coordinating Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for the leadership shown by finally releasing the sum of $4 million for the procurement of family planning commodities. This significant act, in line with World Contraception Day, demonstrates the government’s robust commitment to ensuring all Nigerians access to essential family planning services as stated in the National Population Policy, 2022. This investment is no doubt a pathway towards guaranteeing Nigeria’s demographic dividends. SOGON is currently implementing a multi-state project to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce maternal mortality and morbidity across Nigeria. The project, the Leadership Development Initiative, (LDI) is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through SOGON’s parent body – FIGO. The LDI project is also supported by the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), working to strengthen the leadership and technical capacity of SOGON as advocates and strategic actors delivering lifesaving maternal health services and care.

On September 19, 2024, SOGON was one of thirteen Health Professional Associations (HPAs) which met in Abuja at a capacity-building workshop organized by the dRPC to position HPAs as inclusive and informed partners of government for health systems strengthening, at all levels. As a leading member of the Health Professional Associations in Nigeria, SOGON recognizes and advocates for improved family planning services for healthier families, communities and the Nigerian nation.

As the 2024 World Contraception Day is commemorated today, SOGON call for continued collaboration between Health Professional Associations and government and affirms its commitment to providing technical support to government for optimal utilization of the new funding released for family planning commodities. God bless Nigeria. Signed

Prof Okechukwu C. Ikpeze

President

Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON)