USAID’s withdrawal of funding for Family Planning (FP) in Nigeria has sparked significant concern among stakeholders, indicating that the country’s reproductive health programs are at risk. Experts highlight the long-standing reliance on donor support, emphasizing the need for increased national funding and the potential of technology to bridge gaps in service accessibility. Without proper funding, the consequences could be dire, affecting millions of women.
The recent withdrawal of USAID’s funding for Family Planning (FP) services in Nigeria has alarmed stakeholders about the future of the country’s reproductive health services. During the 13th Annual International Conference of the Population Association of Nigeria (PAN) in Abuja, experts expressed that Nigeria has heavily depended on donor support to sustain its FP initiatives, which have allowed millions of women access to contraceptives and reproductive health services. However, the reduction of this support places the system at a pivotal point, endangering years of progress.
Ejike Oji, Chairperson of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), disclosed that a recent letter from USAID indicated a cessation of funding pending a review period. This action stems from concerns over Nigeria’s inadequate results from previous investments and highlights a worrying trend of international donors withdrawing support. Oji stressed that this absence of financial backing could lead to a shortage of contraceptive supplies, resulting in increased unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal fatalities.
The conference, themed “Population Growth, Demographic Challenges, and National Development,” emphasized the need for increased funding for FP initiatives to counter Nigeria’s demographic challenges. Oji noted that the national budget for family planning had plunged by 90% in 2019 due to a lack of adequate counterpart funding, leading to significant stock-outs of contraceptive commodities, restricting women’s access to essential services. The 2024 budget earmarked only ₦2.2 billion for FP programs, merely 0.16% of the total health budget, falling short of the goal to allocate at least 1% of the national health budget to family planning and jeopardizing Nigeria’s ability to achieve FP2030 targets.
Funding challenges worsened in 2025 with a drastic 97% cut, reducing funds from N2.23 billion to N66.39 million. Experts warn that without appropriate financial support, FP programs face potential collapse, exacerbating issues such as unintended pregnancies and maternal deaths. Fatima Mairami, an obstetrician and gynecologist, underscored family planning as a vital public health concern and a sustainable solution to Nigeria’s rapid population challenges.
Ijeoma Nwankwo, Senior Programme Officer for the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Foundation (PSNF), discussed the growing burden on the private sector due to diminished funding, which limits access to contraceptives for many, including unmarried women. She highlighted technology’s potential in overcoming the difficulties posed by funding reductions. Digital platforms could enhance access to contraceptive information, connect individuals with healthcare providers, and aid in contraceptive distribution, utilizing technology as a means to reach underserved populations efficiently.
The exit of USAID from Nigeria’s family planning sector poses significant challenges, with potential severe repercussions for women’s reproductive health. Without adequate funding and support, existing programs may collapse, leading to detrimental outcomes such as increased unwanted pregnancies and maternal mortality. Stakeholders call for urgent measures to secure funding and leverage technology to fill gaps left by lost donor support.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
