- As DISC 2.0 Project Kicks Off
By Jumai Nwachukwu
THE Delta State Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to improving reproductive health outcomes through a renewed partnership with development organisations to implement the second phase of the Delivering Innovations in Self-Care (DISC 2.0) project. The initiative builds on the success of the first phase (DISC 1.0), which significantly expanded access to self-care family planning methods across the state.
The event was attended by the 20th Obi of Ubulu-Uno and Vice Chairman of the State Committee of Traditional Rulers, HRM Afamefuna Kikachukwu; the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Lucky Osagbokhae, represented by the State Director of Social Welfare and National Issues, Mrs Christie Akako; and the Chairman of the Expanded Advocacy Team for Self-Family Planning and representative of the Islamic community, Dr Adekola Adekunle, among other stakeholders.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Uche Okwe described the project, implemented in collaboration with the Society for Family Health (SFH), as a significant step in advancing reproductive health outcomes in Delta State through innovation and shared responsibility. Dr Onojaeme noted that SFH has remained a valued strategic partner, contributing to improved health indices through evidence-based interventions and community-focused programmes. He urged participants to reflect on lessons learned from previous interventions, identify existing gaps, and develop new strategies to further institutionalise self-care within the state’s healthcare delivery framework. He also commended SFH and other partners for their sustained support and encouraged active participation toward improving the health and well-being of Deltans.
Speaking at the workshop, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Christian Teshola described DISC 2.0 as an opportunity to consolidate earlier gains while strengthening the healthcare system. He explained that the new phase goes beyond promoting self-care methods by introducing additional components aimed at improving commodity availability and service delivery.
Dr. Teshola identified the frequent stock-out of family planning commodities as a major challenge, noting that the responsibility has traditionally rested with national systems. He disclosed that Delta State has taken proactive steps by initiating the procurement of family planning commodities through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with supplies expected soon. He added that the system-strengthening component of DISC 2.0 would further enhance accessibility and impact.
Highlighting the importance of family planning, he stated that its effective adoption could reduce maternal mortality by up to 30 percent by preventing unplanned pregnancies and related complications. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to prioritising family planning as a key strategy under its safe motherhood and reproductive health programmes.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Paul Yinkori said the programme, supported by partners including the Society for Family Health, aims to empower women to take control of their reproductive health while reducing the burden of frequent hospital visits.
Dr. Yinkori explained that the initiative introduces a self-injectable contraceptive method, enabling women, particularly young and nursing mothers, to administer injections themselves after proper training. He noted that this approach reduces the need for repeated visits to health facilities, saving time and cost, while maintaining access to care through linkages with nearby health centres and follow-up by trained health workers.
He added that the Ministry, its departments and agencies, and development partners are working to ensure the programme’s sustainability through proper budgeting, the identification of target populations, and integrated service delivery. He emphasised the need for continuous capacity building for health workers and increased public awareness, particularly in rural communities.
In his remarks, the Team Lead for the DISC project at the Society for Family Health, Mr Fidelis Edets, underscored the growing importance of family planning in addressing preventable deaths associated with pregnancy and childbirth. He noted that Nigeria remains one of the highest contributors to global maternal mortality, a situation that has prompted both government and development partners to adopt proactive and responsive measures to safeguard women’s health.
According to him, the self-injection method was introduced into Nigeria’s family planning space in 2017; its initial adoption remained limited, as healthcare providers predominantly administered the injections rather than empowering women to self-inject. However, targeted interventions under the DISC project since 2021 have led to a significant increase in uptake and utilisation.
Delta State plays a critical role in Nigeria’s overall self-care uptake, noting that improvements in the state’s performance could have a wider national impact, while adding that efforts are ongoing to strengthen emergency obstetric care services.
Dr. Edets urged women of reproductive age to take advantage of available family planning services, noting that trained providers are now better equipped to guide them on safe self-injection practices. He also reaffirmed the project’s commitment to supporting government efforts to strengthen family planning systems and expand access to life-saving reproductive health services.
