Edo State Women Empowered in Family Planning Choices

In Edo State, the demand for family planning services is rising, supported by data-driven community mobilization, provider training, and outreach efforts. Mrs. Blessing Okaka, Officer-in-charge of Iwogban Primary Health Centre, is actively sensitizing women about family planning methods.

Rebecca Odu, a 34-year-old woman, recounted her experience with a contraceptive implant, which she received two years ago without prior laboratory tests. After the insertion, she experienced concerning symptoms, including absence of menstrual bleeding and numbness, prompting her to seek advice from the facility.

Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, oversees these initiatives. Dr. Efoze Aya, a family medicine expert at Care Medical, explained that eligibility for contraceptive implants is determined through clinical assessment rather than routine laboratory tests.

She noted that while changes in menstrual bleeding are common with implants, other symptoms should not be automatically linked to the device.