By Chioma Obinna

Nigeria’s worsening reproductive health crisis took centerstage on Tuesday as DKT International Nigeria unveiled Avibela, a long-acting hormonal intrauterine device (IUD), amid rising concerns over unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions and maternal deaths.

At the Lagos launch, experts warned that millions of Nigerian women still lack access to safe and effective family planning, with misinformation, cultural beliefs and poor access driving maternal mortality and unsafe abortions.

Delivering a keynote address, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UNILAG, Prof. Ayodeji Oluwole, recounted a case he said underscored the urgency of expanding contraceptive access.

Oluwole who is also the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), said: “I remembered a woman I saw years ago. She had been pregnant 14 times and carried out 13 abortions. I asked her repeatedly if she was sure, and she said yes. That tells you the level of crisis we are dealing with.”

Oluwole said hormonal IUDs reduce heavy bleeding, ease menstrual pain and offer strong contraceptive protection.

“Within 24 to 48 hours after removal, fertility returns,” he said.

He blamed myths, religious resistance and cultural beliefs for low uptake of contraception.
“A lot of misinformation exists that contraceptives make women sterile or harm Africans. But education remains the solution. Once people are informed, acceptance improves.”
Speaking at the launch, the Country Director, DKT International Nigeria, Debo Satapathy, said the introduction of Avibela reflects the organisation’s commitment to improving women’s access to safe, effective and convenient reproductive healthcare solutions.
He said Avibela expands contraceptive choices, especially for women seeking long-term, low-maintenance options.
He advised women to consult their health care providers before use as the product is a prescription medication.
The hormonal IUD offers over 99 per cent protection against pregnancy for up to eight years and also reduces heavy menstrual bleeding by more than 90 per cent for up to five years.
“The hormonal IUD is a path-breaking innovation in women’s health. It captures the latest research and advances in reproductive healthcare, and we are pleased to bring this option to Nigeria,” Satapathy said.
“Our goal is to expand access and ensure affordability across private clinics, hospitals and partner institutions.
“We are not driven by profit. We are driven by impact, making affordable and quality contraceptives accessible to women everywhere,” he added.
Satapathy said Avibela has undergone global clinical trials and WHO prequalification, ensuring quality and safety.
“For many women, reproductive healthcare goes beyond pregnancy prevention. It is also about comfort, confidence, health, and the ability to make informed choices about their bodies and future. Avibela provides women with a reliable, long-term contraceptive option while also helping to manage heavy menstrual bleeding, which can significantly impact quality of life. Our goal is simple: expanding choice and improving lives. By introducing Avibela, we are ensuring that more women have access to modern healthcare solutions that support their reproductive goals, wellbeing, and long-term health.”
Speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Health Matters, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi said family planning remains key to reducing maternal and child mortality and improving reproductive choices.
“The introduction of Avibela expands options available to women and strengthens informed reproductive choices,” she said.
Representative of the Gates Foundation, Ibuku Adeibe said the launch reflects progress in expanding safe, client-centred family planning in Nigeria. “I am delighted to extend our warm congratulations to the Gates International the state government healthcare providers and all stakeholders on the official launch of the Avibela Hormonal IUD in Lagos State”
Additional launch of the product are scheduled in Abuja and Port Harcourt as part of nationwide rollout, with DKT and partners aiming to strengthen awareness, improve provider training and increase uptake of long-acting reversible contraception.
It also pledged awareness campaigns, training and outreach to improve access nationwide.
Health experts at the event reiterated that expanding method mix is critical to reducing Nigeria’s high burden of unintended pregnancies and improving maternal health outcomes, in line with global WHO recommendations on reproductive health access.