The Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) has launched a seven-year initiative aimed at improving access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services for women, adolescents, and vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
The project, known as the Strengthening Health Systems for Integrated and Transformative Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SHIFTS), was unveiled in Abuja by the PPFN President, Bitrus Laori. He described the initiative as a major step toward strengthening healthcare systems and advancing reproductive health rights in Nigeria and other participating countries.
Laori noted that Nigeria continues to face serious reproductive health challenges, including one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, estimated at 512 deaths per 100,000 live births. He also highlighted that contraceptive use remains low about 15 per cent among married women while millions still lack access to family planning services.
He further raised concerns over high adolescent fertility rates, stating that about 19 per cent of girls aged 15 to 19 are either pregnant or already mothers. According to him, the SHIFTS project is designed to address these gaps by improving access to quality healthcare, strengthening service delivery, and promoting awareness, especially among underserved populations.
The initiative aligns with ongoing national and global efforts to reduce maternal deaths, improve family planning uptake, and ensure that individuals can make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Stakeholders say sustained investment and policy support will be critical to achieving meaningful impact over the project’s seven-year duration.
