PAPHNON Takes Contraceptive Services To Communities As World Contraception Week 2026 Commences

The Professional Association of Public Health Nurses of Nigeria (PAPHNON) has commenced activities for the 2026 World Contraception Week with a commitment to bring reproductive health information, counselling and services closer to individuals, families and communities.

In Rivers State, the PAPHNON State Chapter, under the leadership of its National Chairman, Dr. Iyaye David Aseminaso, carried out a community outreach at Mile 3 Market in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, despite heavy rainfall.

The outreach was organised in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Health and other health partners. Public Health Nurses led community mobilisation, health education, contraceptive counselling, service provision and referrals.

The Association’s Young and Youth-friendly Approach (YAM) volunteers also supported the exercise, focusing on community engagement and sensitising young people on sexual and reproductive health and rights with accurate information.

According to PAPHNON, the community response was encouraging, as 79 persons — 46 males and 33 females — accessed contraceptive and related reproductive health services, including implants.

The association noted that the outreach highlights the critical role of Public Health Nurses in taking preventive and promotive healthcare beyond health facilities to where people live and work.

It added that activities in Rivers State will continue at Creek Road Market, Port Harcourt, one of the busiest market communities in the state, where nurses will continue to provide reproductive health information and services.

In Bayelsa State, PAPHNON also participated in World Contraception Week activities at Onopa in Yenagoa, in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health and the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) Clinic.

The Bayelsa outreach provided an opportunity for nurses to engage individuals and families on contraceptive choices and informed decision-making. A highlight of the event was the recognition of a male partner who accompanied his wife and child to access care, underscoring the importance of male involvement in family health.

PAPHNON commended its Rivers and Bayelsa Chapters, the Rivers State Ministry of Health, collaborating partners, YAM volunteers and field nurses for their dedication.

It reiterated its commitment to strengthening community-based healthcare and expanding access to quality preventive and reproductive health services.