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By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
It has been stressed that for women, the ability to be equipped with the information and tools to manage their sexual and reproductive health needs in the comfort of their home is a key means of promoting health and family’s wellbeing.
This is especially true in hard-to-reach communities where access to health facilities and health information is scare.
The assertion is contained in an advocacy message titled ‘Care in your community’ by an NGO, ‘The White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria’ (WRAN)
which is a part of the National Self-care Network and a major promoter of self-care in Bauchi state.
It however stated that with the use of self-care, anyone can determine their current health status even for HIV and Malaria.
According to WRAN, Self – Care products cover the following and more:
For contraception stating that for women that have been prescribed to take injectable contraceptives there is now no need to go to the hospital every three months.
It added that Self-care products covers Pre & Post pregnancy kit, Ovulation prediction kit (OPK), Male/Female Condoms, Home-based Pregnancy test kit, Family planning and others.
The NGO further stated that for instant health status check; one can also conduct Malaria, and HIV preliminary self-testing at home too as the Self-care products are now available in pharmacies and PHCs across the State.
It then reminded people that, “Remember: Self-care is an informed approach to using home remedies as part of a health plan as prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider – this is entirely different from taking self-prescribed medications, which is usually done without the consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Self -prescription is very risky and can lead to serious medical complications and even death”.
Recall that earlier in 2022, the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with other partners developed the National Self-care Guidelines on Self-Care for Sexual Reproductive and maternal health in 2020, which was followed by its launch in 2022.
The guideline includes guidance for self- care interventions, and its sub-National level adoption in Nigeria.
Self-care is the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote their well-being, prevent disease, maintain health and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.
Caring for oneself includes three major areas, which are: Self – Management, Self – Testing and Self – Awareness, these care options put healthcare in the hands of the people who need it the most.
