World Population Day: Health Workers Raise Concern Over Effect of COVID-19 on Women Health
Khadija Ishaq Bawas
AREWA AGENDA – Chairman Board of Trustees of the Network of Reproductive Health Journalists, Dr. Ejike Oji, has raised concerns over the effect of COVID-19 on the health of women as a result of disrupted access to health care.
He spoke During a webinar session organised by The Network of Reproductive Health Journalists in Nigeria, to mark the world population day.
According to Dr. Ejike, government was not doing enough in terms of public health.
“They put more emphasis on clinical health. I think it’s a good thing that family planning has been captured in the Federal Government’s budget,” he added.
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Dr Oji Commended the Lagos State Government for including family planning services in its Health Insurance Scheme and called on other states to emulate the practice.
He lamented that government did not have plans for the youths being the majority of the country. He called on journalists hold government responsible and ensure a plan to deliver social and economic development for the youths is put in place.
According to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the COVID-19 pandemic could have serious consequences for women’s health by disrupting access to sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services.
Among the risk groups UNFPA identified are pregnant women who need antenatal care but are unsure of whether to attend a clinic, and women in abusive relationships trapped at home during the lockdown.
Arewa Agenda is a Publication of young writers from Northern Nigeria towards peaceful coexistence and national development through positive narratives.
