The World Health Organisation (WHO) says access to quality contraceptive services and information should be treated as a human right. This call was made on Tuesday on the occasion of the World Contraceptive Day which holds annually on the September 26, since it was launched in the year 2007.

In commemoration of this year’s event, WHO, in a statement said, “How healthcare providers and facility managers ensure that human rights aspects are integrated into services is a challenge with many dimensions, including the right of access to high-quality contraceptive services, autonomy and a choice of methods as well as the respectful provision of care.

“It is currently estimated that some 214 million women have an unmet need for modern contraception.This need is greatest among the most vulnerable and where the risks of maternal mortality are correspondingly highest.”

WHO, however, expressed delight that provision of contraceptive services and programmes is growing and government advocacy in Nigeria on the use of contraceptives among sexually active women to prevent unwanted pregnancy and abortion is beginning to yield positive results as records show that more women are embracing the method.

Editor