Male engagement in family planning: the role of faith leaders in urban West Africa

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal 3 aims to improve access to modern contraceptives and inform and educate people on family planning (FP). However, contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in West Africa is low at approximately 20%. One related factor is the limited engagement of males in FP decision-making. Addressing this issue requires a multiplicity of approaches, including the engagement of faith leaders. Faith leaders are often trusted by their congregants and could be an avenue to promoting male involvement in FP. In this report, we discuss the role of faith leaders in two West African countries, Nigeria and Ghana. We conducted 11 in-depth interviews with faith leaders in Nigeria and Ghana. Our exploratory findings indicate that faith leaders seem to have adequate knowledge and a positive perspective on male engagement and FP. In addition, the relationship of trust faith leaders maintain with their congregants is valuable in educating or counselling congregants on male engagement and FP.