Nigeria Will Have Baby Boom Post-COVID-19, Says Health Expert

A reproductive health expert has said that the lockdown, a result of trying to fight the novel coronavirus, would result in a spike in unplanned babies next year.

To avert the problems that can arise from the boom, and the distortion it could bring to family structure and economy, the expert canvassed urgent health education on Nigeria’s media of mass communication, especially television. This, he said, was necessary to curtail the effects of unplanned COVID-19 babies.

Josiah Mutihir, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, JUTH, made this disclosure at a Development Communications (DevComs) Network Zoom Meeting on Friday.

Mutihir said the need for family planning was even more important in this pandemic and should not be ignored.

Mutihir who spoke on the topic: Why Access to Contraception is Critical in COVID-19 Response, said: “COVID-19 has also had a negative impact on access to family planning information, and services.

“The other side of the pandemic is the accompanying preventive measures that necessitate the restriction of movement, and the stay home order culminating in partial or total lockdowns.

“Families are compelled to stay home, day and night for periods of between one to 12 weeks depending on the country or state.

“This has brought the husband and wife or spouses face to face for long periods. Idleness has set in and increased sexual desires and activity result.

“Where the woman is not protected, unwanted pregnancy is the likely outcome in most instances where the woman is still in the reproductive age and is not on any method of contraception.

“Information sharing of messages about family planning in addition to online or hotline counselling is also available. “Fortunately for this internet age, Mobile Apps exist for family planning and can be accessed freely.

“The Apps determine the fertile period of the woman and then the couple abstains for a period or use male or female condoms, vaginal spermicidal agents, or the use of non-penetrative sex,” he said.”

Mutihir then urged relevant authorities to endeavour to enlighten the public about contraceptives and their applications.