VSI holds high-level stakeholders’s dialogue on SRHR in Osun

A non-governmental organisation, Vision Spring Initiatives (VSI), on Tuesday convened a high-level stakeholders’ dialogue in Osun State under its project: “IPARAPO: Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health Through Legislative and Regulatory Reforms in Nigeria.”

The Project Director, Ngozi Nwosu-Juba, said the stakeholders’ dialogue is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen and institutionalise Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) interventions across the state.

Nwosu-Juba said Vision Spring Initiatives remains committed to fostering partnerships, strengthening accountability, and supporting evidence-based interventions that promote gender equality, social justice, and improved health outcomes for all. 

The dialogue, held at Aenon Suites and Hotels, Osogbo, the Osun State capital, brought together key government agencies, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, professional associations, media, and representatives of persons with disabilities to discuss strategies for improving health outcomes for women and girls in Osun State.

Speaking at the event, the Programme Lead of Vision Spring Initiatives, Titilopemi Oriye, noted that the meeting forms part of a series of interventions being implemented by the organisation in partnership with the Osun State Government to advance access to quality sexual and reproductive health services and promote reproductive justice.

According to Oriye, sustainable progress in health requires strong collaboration among government institutions, civil society actors, development partners, and communities. 

She commended stakeholders in Osun State for their openness to partnership and their demonstrated commitment to improving the health and well-being of residents.

She said: “We are encouraged by the willingness of stakeholders in Osun State to work collaboratively towards achieving better health outcomes.

“Institutionalising sexual and reproductive health and rights interventions requires collective action, and all hands must be on deck to ensure that women and girls have access to the services, information, and support they need to thrive.”

Participants at the dialogue included representatives of the Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Hospital Management Board, Ministries of Health, Women Affairs and Justice, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), civil society organisations, media practitioners, and representatives of persons with disabilities. 

The stakeholders lauded Vision Spring Initiatives for its evidence-based approach to advocacy and partnership building. 

Participants particularly commended VSI for the efforts to address critical sexual and reproductive health challenges in the communities. 

The dialogue provided a platform for robust discussions on strengthening health systems, promoting policy reforms, increasing access to reproductive health services, and ensuring that vulnerable and marginalised groups are not left behind in development efforts.

At the end of the meeting, representatives of relevant ministries and agencies reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with Vision Spring Initiatives and other civil society organisations to safeguard the health, dignity, and well-being of women and girls in Osun State. 

Stakeholders also pledged to support initiatives that advance reproductive health rights and contribute to sustainable development across the state.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖