Stakeholders Call For Implementation Of National Guidelines On Self-care

Stakeholders at a media orientation on the national Guidelines on self-care for several, reproductive and Maternal health have called for have called the implementation of the National Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive health.

In 2021, the Federal Ministry of Health developed the National Guideline on Self-Care for Sexual, Reproductive, and Maternal Health, which provides national direction on the integration of Self-care interventions for SRMH into the Nigerian health system as well as its implementation.

Since then, there have been concerted efforts to disseminate the National Guideline and Self-Care Demand Generation Strategy and provide orientation at national and sub-national levels.

The media Orientation on the National Guidelines on Self-care for sexual reproductive and Maternal Health was organized by Pathfinder International Nigeria and the Ministry of Health, with the support of the World Health Organisation and other partners.

In a presentation tagged ”Self-care” the Reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health + nutrition (RMNCAH+N) Technical Officer, Dr. Femi James described Self-care as encompassing, the ability of individuals, families, and communities to prevent illness, promote health, maintain well-being, and cope with health challenges, with or without the support of healthcare providers. READ ALSO: New Health Minister To Ensure Implementation Of Health Policies

According to Dr. James, ”Self-care will empower women and men, families, and communities to carry out effective health actions, with or without support from health care providers.”

“So far, there is political will and with the availability of Self-care products like the Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate Subcutaneous (DMPA-SC), malaria and HIV self-test kits as well as pregnancy self-testing kits.”

”We have seen people begin to take ownership, positioning themselves to enjoy the benefit of self-awareness,” he added.

The Country Director, Pathfinder International Nigeria, Dr Amina Dorayi said the organization’s vision was to continuously collaborate and identify new voices to promote self-care.

Represented by the Senior Program Advisor, Pathfinder International Sakina Aminu Bello stressed the need for the media to ensure that women access healthcare services delivery through self-care interventions.

The Director, Vesicovaginal Fistula and Reproductive Health, Ministry of Health, Mrs Remi Bajomo, said Self-care is the ability of the individual to promote health and maintain health with or without the healthcare provider.

She expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting self-care in order to achieve Universal Health Coverage with monitoring and Evaluation.

On her part, White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria, Country Programmes & Advocacy Manager, Jennifer Adebambo believed the launch of self-care was transforming healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.

According to her, ”By empowering individuals, families, and communities to take control of their health and well-being, self-care interventions have the potential to overcome barriers, improve access to reproductive health services, and relieve strain on healthcare systems.”

Jennifer Adebambo observed that with continued support and concerted efforts, the vision of universal access to quality healthcare may become a reality, ensuring a healthier and brighter future for all Nigerians.