By Deborah Akassa, Archibong Mfon and Lengmang Patience
The Nigerian Medical Students Association (NIMSA), University of Jos chapter, in collaboration with the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)Advocates , has held a mobilisation campaign tagged: “Burden of Unsafe Abortion and Prevention of Maternal Morbidity/Mortality in Nigeria”.
The event which took place at the Tony Momoh hall of University of Jos was aimed at creating awareness on unsafe abortion and unwanted pregnancy.
Dr.Sikirat Ahmadu, a trainer and SRHR Advocate while addressing the gathering revealed that many women have lost their lives and others have narrowly escaped death due to unsafe abortion. She reiterated that their campaign was to create awareness and help prevent unsafe abortions in Nigeria.
She also urged students not to be ashamed whenever they are involved in such predicament.
Ejim Egba Clement, President of the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NlMSA) and SRHR Advocate while trying to find out audience reactions to a scenario of an abortion case, narrated a story of a 15 year old girl who was impregnated by her uncle, leaving the participants to form focus groups based on provided options of keeping the matter within the family, aborting the baby, choice and giving up the child for adoption. He commended the groups for their insightful suggestions and advised that the best approach in such case is to enlighten and guide the girl accordingly in making the right decision.
In the same vein, Akaainjo Martha Wanger, another SRHR Advocate, educated the audience about the prevention of unsafe abortion and how to avoid unwanted pregnancy. She mentioned the use of condoms, contraceptives among others as healthy preventive measures.
Faith Okpunyi, a student of Mass Communication department expressed her delight on the outcome of the program, revealing that the awareness created will have ripple effect on the students.
Similarly, Becky Monday, a 200 level student of the institution said the programme has increased her knowledge about abortion and unsafe abortion. She said “Many women have lost their lives to unsafe abortion due to lack of proper enlightenment, I have been inspired to spread the awareness to others because it will also better their lives.
Enam Ezekiel, a 300 level student of Mass Communication, said the programme has educated her while also advising the healthcare professionals to recognize that early pregnancy loss encompasses multiple subtypes, each associating with distinct risk factors that demand thorough consideration.
