…Demographic Impacts of A360 amplify project, preventing unintended pregnancies
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Ministry of Health and Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in collaboration with the Society for Family Health (SFH), marked a significant milestone with the A360 Amplify Project, aimed at enhancing Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) programming in Nasarawa State.
Daily Sun Gathered that in Transforming Lives and Health, the A360 Amplify Project, known as Matasan Matan Arewa (MMA) in Nasarawa, has been a catalyst for change in the lives of adolescent girls aged 15–19.
In his welcome address, Dr Ibrahim Alhassan, Director of public Health, Nasarawa State Ministry of Health stressed that the initiative has effectively removed barriers to accessing modern contraceptives, resulting in an increased modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) and improved sexual reproductive health among adolescents in the state.
He welcomed all the participant saying going beyond contraception, the project empowers married adolescent girls by providing them with training in health knowledge, goal setting, financial literacy, and vocational skill development.
“This holistic approach not only promotes reproductive health but also enhances their human capital, fostering self-sufficiency.”
In an opening remark, representing the Commissioner for Health Nasarawa State ably represented by the Permanene Secretary, Mr Damina John Ali, stressed that Meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement (MAYE) strategy employed by A360 Amplify had fosters inclusive partnerships among adolescents, youth, and adults.
He said the collaborative approach aims to improve health outcomes, human capital development, reduce unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and enhance vocational skills and agency.
Presenting Nasarawa State Matasan Matan Arewa (MMA) project, Dr Ibitoye Segun (Senior Learning Advisor (SFH), during the research presentation for Nasarawa said Health Impacts was 538 Maternal deaths averted, 228 Child deaths averted, 4,213 Unsafe abortions averted.
She Added that the figures represent the positive health impacts achieved by the Nasarawa state MMA Project including the prevention of maternal and child deaths and the reduction in unsafe abortions.
On the demographic impacts of the project, Dr Ibitoye Noted that 10,302 unintended pregnancies were averted, 4,070 unplanned deliveries were prevented, 4,970 abortions were averted, which represents the demographic impacts of the contraceptive services provided between 2021 and 2023.
“They include the prevention of unintended pregnancies, unplanned deliveries, and abortions. This indicates the positive outcomes of the project in terms of family planning and reproductive health.” She said.
Interms of challenges, Dr. Ibitoye said Low reporting rate, incomplete, or inaccurate summation of client data on HMIS registers, monthly summary forms, and discrepancies with NDHIS2 data.
High trained staff attrition (transfers), among others.
Expanding reach, Damina said with the invaluable collaboration of the state Ministry of Health and the Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, the project has extended its influence to all 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, reaching even more adolescent girls.
He advised the participants to take the lectures in the workshop serious to ensure that the aim of the project is achieved in the state.
Also speaking, Dandong Peter, Project Assistant stressed that the Mid-Project Dissemination Meeting held in Lafia on October 31st was a platform for key stakeholders to converge.
He said Government officials, donor representatives, implementing partners, religious and community leaders, health practitioners, and beneficiaries came together to engage in interactive plenary sessions and brainstorming activities.
“These discussions revolved around innovative programming for adolescent and young people’s health, strategies for sustaining contraceptive use, and effective engagement of adolescents and youth.”
Expertise Highlighted, the assistant project manager explained that the SFH/A360 team showcased their expertise in areas such as institutionalisation, demand generation, contraceptive continuation, and youth engagement.
He however urged to foster collaboration, advocacy, and data-driven decision-making for improved ASRH outcomes. It sought to strengthen partnerships and enhance comprehensive services for adolescent girls.
“By disseminating key project achievements and insights, SFH aimed to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage and the empowerment of adolescents and young people in Nigeria.”