A medical expert, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, has recommended the need for data-driven actions for bringing about tangible results in the promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The expert disclosed that the fight against unsafe abortion and other sexual reproductive health issues remains a challenge due to conflicting voices on the matter.
Fatusi, the Vice Chancellor (VC) of Nigeria’s first specialised medical health sciences university, the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, noted this at a fellowship programme on Communicating Evidence For SHRH Policy, Advocacy and Action (C4SPAA), held in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Highlighting that many individuals speaking out on abortion are driven by emotions, lack of data, misinformation, and imagination, Fatusi stressed that a shift towards evidence-based decision-making is crucial to addressing the challenge effectively. He said: ‘By allowing data to drive actions, interventions can be implemented with clear outcomes that everyone
can understand.’
The VC argued that despite the significant investment required for the initiatives, much more needs to be done given Nigeria’s large population and numerous challenges related to maternal health.
Fatusi stated that raising hundreds or even thousands of champions from every sector is essential for changing the narrative surrounding women’s health, as the champions will not only take action but also replicate themselves through their work.
He said the impact of the efforts of the champions will multiply over time as they contribute towards improving the overall well-being of young women and mothers in Nigeria.
John-Paul Akinduro, a media specialist and facilitator at the training, expressed his support for the programme, emphasising that the lack of information regarding sexual and reproductive health issues in the society leads to widespread misinformation.
Akinduro expressed the belief that the training serves as an opportunity for key stakeholders such as media practitioners, advocates,
policy makers, researchers, social media influences, etc., to come together under one roof and disseminate accurate information, cautioning that the training alone cannot tackle all existing challenges related to SRHR issues in Nigeria.
He urged media practitioners to specifically play an active role by amplifying messages about the critical topic while debunking traditional beliefs rooted in harmful practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.
Akinduro emphasised that while government involvement is necessary when it comes to enacting laws around SRHR issues, advocacy efforts from individuals are equally important since lawmakers need convincing.
The C4SPAA, organised by the Academic for Health Development (AHEAD), Ile-Ife, in collaboration with the Guttmacher Institute, USA, aims to raise champions and advocates who will tackle sexual and reproductive health issues among women and girls in Nigeria.
Source: Voice of Nigeria