33-yr-old woman shares 10-yr family planning journey, encourages others to follow suit
Hajara Usman, a 33-year-old mother of three, has shared her inspiring story of over a decade of using family planning methods, particularly the contraceptive implant, which she describes as life-changing for her health and family life.
In an exclusive interview, Hajara revealed that it was her husband who first encouraged her to consider family planning. “The idea came from my husband,” she said. “He wanted me to be strong and healthy before we had another child. I agreed immediately because I had seen how lack of spacing affected many of my friends. Some looked older than their age and had malnourished children due to inadequate rest and care.”
Following her husband’s advice, Hajara visited the Atiku Abubakar Primary Health Care Centre in Yola North LGA, where she met with family planning service provider Arziki Daniel. There, she received counseling and chose to use the implant.
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“It has had no negative effects on me,” she said. “I’ve been able to space my children properly, take care of myself, my children, and my husband. We’ve had no regrets—my husband is very happy with the decision.”
Now, after over 10 years of consistent use, Hajara is advocating other women to consider family planning. She urged women to seek professional advice from healthcare providers to determine the method best suited to their bodies.
“Family planning gives you rest, time to care for your children and your spouse,” she noted. “Women should go to clinics and be counseled properly before choosing any method.”
Hajara also expressed gratitude to The Challenge Initiative (TCI), Development Communications Network (DevComs), and the Adamawa State Government for making family planning commodities freely available at public health centers.
“The fact that I didn’t have to pay a dime for the implant made it easier to choose and stick with,” she said.
Arziki Daniel, the service provider at the health center, confirmed that many women access family planning services daily. “Over the years, very few women have returned with complaints. We counsel them carefully and ensure they get what suits them best,” she explained.
She urged women to ignore the myths surrounding family planning, emphasizing that when properly administered, the right method will not cause harm. Arziki also highlighted the importance of child spacing, saying it allows mothers to regain their strength, care for their babies, and be better prepared for subsequent pregnancies.
Both Hajara and Arziki called on more women to take advantage of the free services offered across the state and make informed decisions for a healthier family life.
