No fewer than 217 women in Irese, Ijare, and Oda communities in Ifedore and Akure South Local Government Areas of Ondo State benefited from free cervical cancer screening, family planning services, and other health interventions organised to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.
The outreach was carried out by the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with MSI Reproductive Health Choices and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, targeting women of childbearing age in rural communities.
Services provided during the outreach included cervical cancer screening, family planning counselling, HIV testing, and other essential healthcare services at primary health care facilities in the three communities.
Speaking at the event, the State Coordinator for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Family Planning in Ondo State and outreach team lead, Mrs. Opeyemi Elizabeth Agunbiade, said the initiative was designed to improve access to reproductive health services, particularly for women in underserved communities.
She said: “Cervical cancer is preventable when detected early, while family planning empowers women to take charge of their health and that of their families. Bringing these services directly to the community helps remove barriers to accessing life-saving healthcare.”
The Ondo State Team Lead of CHAI, Mr. Ayedun Olamide, said the collaboration with OSPHCDA was aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery at the community level and expanding access to reproductive health services.
In her remarks, the State Lead of MSI Reproductive Health Choices, Mrs. Akinmoyewa Kekelomo, noted that providing family planning and cervical cancer screening at the community level remains critical to improving women’s health, expressing satisfaction with the level of participation recorded.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Mrs. Ayodele Christina, Mrs. Nafisat Harruna, and Mrs. Obadaye Ruth, commended the organisers, describing the initiative as timely and beneficial to women. They encouraged other women to embrace family planning for family wellbeing, economic stability, and improved health outcomes.
International Women’s Day, is celebrated annually on March 8 to honour women’s achievements and promote gender equality, health, and empowerment. This year’s theme is “Give To Gain.”
VIDEO EXTRACT: Women in Irese, Ijare, and Oda communities receiving free cervical cancer screening, family planning counselling, health talks, and health services during the International Women’s Day outreach in Ondo State.
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