Why Akwa Ibom Women Are Turning To Traditional Birth Control Methods Amid Health Risk

A growing number of women in Akwa Ibom State are increasingly relying on traditional family planning methods despite clear warnings from health experts about the potential risks. This trend has alarmed reproductive health advocates and exposed systemic issues in the availability of modern contraceptives.

According to Enobong Eshiet, the state’s Family Planning Coordinator, many women are resorting to non-medical techniques such as herbal concoctions, withdrawal methods, and in severe cases, unsafe abortions. These practices, while widely used, are unregulated and often lead to dire health consequences, including permanent infertility and internal organ damage.

Alarming Statistics Highlight the Shift

During a media roundtable in Uyo, Ekomobong Oton, a Technical Lead at The Challenge Initiative (TCI), shared findings from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). She revealed that:

Six in ten women between ages 15-49 do not use any birth control method.
Traditional birth control usage surged to 26.1% in 2024, a sharp increase from 2018.
Meanwhile, modern contraceptive use dropped from 18.3% in 2018 to 17.2% in 2024.

This significant decline is directly linked to stockouts and lack of access to modern family planning commodities across healthcare centers in the state.

Health Facility Shortages Deepen the Crisis

A recent TCI quality implementation assessment revealed that 13 out of 15 health centers in eight local government areas reported stockouts of essential contraceptives like Microgynon, IUDs, condoms, Jadelle, and Implanon. The few available products were largely provided by partners like TCI, whose continued support is not guaranteed.

Furthermore, international aid, particularly from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has dwindled. As noted by KFF Global Health Policy, USAID has scaled back funding to many African nations, including Nigeria, for family planning support.

Akwa Ibom’s Budget Gaps and Inaction

Despite being an oil-producing state, Akwa Ibom has yet to allocate funds directly for the procurement of family planning commodities. Although proposed budgets have included funding—such as the N100 million proposed last year—there has been no actual disbursement.

According to Enobong Eshiet, despite efforts since 2022, including guidelines introduced by the Federal Ministry of Health and supported by UNFPA, Akwa Ibom has not released funds for purchasing and distributing contraceptives.

Other States Taking the Lead

In contrast, 11 states have implemented the State Funded Procurement Guidelines in line with Nigeria’s FP2030 commitments. These include:

Delta – N30 million
Rivers – N40 million
Kaduna – N50 million
Lagos – N25 million
Osun, Edo, Adamawa, Ondo, Sokoto, Gombe, and Ogun with varying allocations.

Yet, Akwa Ibom remains absent from this list, indicating a lack of prioritization in reproductive health investment.

Government Promises Renewed Commitment

Following sustained advocacy by the Ibom Advocacy Core Group, the Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel, assured that family planning funding will be captured in future budgets. He emphasized the governor’s commitment to health and promised that budgeted funds would be followed up for release.

Chairperson Dr. Mandu Ekpenyong urged the state to join the National Basket Fund and show more ownership over the work done by NGOs such as TCI, especially as the organization may soon exit the state.

Conclusion: Urgent Action Required

The surge in traditional birth control usage among Akwa Ibom women highlights not only health risks but also structural weaknesses in reproductive healthcare delivery. With declining international support and increasing demand, state governments must step in to ensure women have safe, modern, and accessible contraceptive options.

For more articles on reproductive health and wellness in Nigeria, visit our Health and Wellness Section.