Strengthening Post-Abortion Care and Reproductive Health Access in Oyo State

Introduction

As part of its continuous efforts to safeguard the health, rights, and dignity of women and girls, Committed Soul Women Health Advocacy Africa Initiative (COSWOHI) has continued to implement the Post-Abortion Care (PAC) Project in Oyo State. This project is aimed at improving access to quality post-abortion care services, strengthening the capacity of healthcare providers, and addressing the stigma and misconceptions surrounding abortion-related complications.

Through the project, COSWOHI seeks to ensure that no woman dies from preventable causes linked to unsafe abortion or lack of care, and that communities, health systems, and policymakers are better informed and responsive to the reproductive health needs of women and girls.

Supported by AmplifyChange, this intervention reflects COSWOHI’s unwavering commitment to advancing reproductive justice, reducing maternal mortality, and promoting inclusive health systems that respect human rights and dignity.

Project Overview and Objectives

The Post-Abortion Care Project focuses on three key objectives:

1. Strengthening Health Systems and Referral Base – improving the capacity of frontline healthcare providers to offer quality, non-judgmental, and rights-based post-abortion care.
2. Enhancing Advocacy and Policy Engagement – promoting the domestication and implementation of reproductive health policies at the State and Local government levels.
3. Community Mobilization and Awareness – reducing stigma and misinformation around post-abortion care through targeted community and media engagement.

The project is being implemented across selected local government areas in Oyo State, with active participation from health institutions, policymakers, civil society organizations, and community-based groups.

Key Activities and Achievements

1. Capacity Strengthening for Healthcare Providers

COSWOHI has organized a series of training and knowledge-sharing workshops for healthcare workers across various facilities in Oyo State. These trainings focused on equipping providers with updated knowledge on the management of abortion complications, respectful maternity care, and the importance of upholding patient confidentiality.

Through these engagements, healthcare providers reported improved understanding of post-abortion care procedures and demonstrated greater empathy towards women seeking such services. This has contributed to an observable improvement in service delivery, as health facilities now report more women accessing care earlier and with reduced fear of discrimination.

2. Policy Dialogue and Stakeholder Engagement

Recognizing the importance of government and institutional support in sustaining change, COSWOHI has prioritized policy-level advocacy as part of the project’s strategy. The organization convened several stakeholder meetings and dialogue sessions with representatives from the Oyo State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Health Care Board, professional associations, and civil society partners.

These discussions have created space for critical conversations on the need for improved policy alignment between national reproductive health frameworks and State-level implementation. As a result, there is growing momentum among policymakers to strengthen the State’s reproductive health response mechanisms, integrate post-abortion care into maternal health programs, and allocate more resources to women’s health services.

3. Media and Community Sensitization

COSWOHI also recognizes the power of the media and community voices in shaping public perception. In collaboration with journalists and community-based advocates, the organization has embarked on a series of media campaigns aimed at addressing stigma, promoting accurate information, and encouraging women to seek care when needed.

Radio discussions, community outreach, and interpersonal communication have been used to debunk harmful myths associated with post-abortion care. These platforms have proven effective in shifting narratives and fostering more supportive community attitudes toward women’s reproductive health.

Additionally, COSWOHI continues to engage traditional, religious, and youth leaders, ensuring that reproductive health discussions are grounded in cultural sensitivity while promoting empathy, understanding, and inclusivity.

4. Learning and Collaboration

One of the remarkable strengths of the project has been its emphasis on collaborative learning. COSWOHI continues to document lessons learned and share insights with partners and stakeholders. Through learning sessions and peer exchanges, participating organizations and government representatives have been able to identify practical steps to address service delivery challenges, improve referral systems, and strengthen coordination among relevant actors.

The organization’s use of data-driven reporting and participatory monitoring has enhanced transparency and accountability. By involving local actors in project evaluation, COSWOHI has fostered a sense of ownership that will help sustain impact beyond the project’s life span.

Impact and Emerging Outcomes

The Post-Abortion Care Project has made measurable progress in addressing both the service and societal dimensions of reproductive health in Oyo State.

• Improved Access to Care: More women are now able to access timely post-abortion services without fear of stigma or discrimination. Health facilities involved in the project report increased awareness and improved patient flow.
• Enhanced Capacity of Service Providers: Dozens of healthcare workers now possess enhanced technical knowledge and empathetic communication skills, resulting in better patient outcomes.
• Policy Momentum: The advocacy engagements have strengthened partnerships between civil society organizations and government institutions, with commitments to sustain and scale PAC initiatives.
• Community Empowerment: Women, men, and youth across intervention communities now have better understanding of reproductive health rights, reducing misinformation and stigma around post-abortion issues.

Beneficiaries have shared powerful testimonies of restored confidence and relief after accessing safe and respectful care — stories that underscore the importance of COSWOHI’s intervention.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

While significant progress has been recorded, the project has also faced certain challenges. Limited data availability for real-time updates, inconsistent participation of some stakeholders in advocacy meetings, and infrastructural constraints at some health facilities remain obstacles.

To mitigate these, COSWOHI has strengthened its data collection systems, adopted flexible engagement strategies, and leveraged community networks to sustain advocacy momentum. These experiences have further highlighted the need for multi-sectorial collaboration and sustained investment in reproductive health systems.

The Road Ahead

COSWOHI remains steadfast in its mission to advance reproductive rights and access to quality healthcare for all women and girls. Moving forward, the organization plans to deepen its advocacy efforts, expand community engagement, and continue to build the capacity of health workers to deliver compassionate, rights-based post-abortion care.

The organization also aims to explore innovative partnerships with digital health platforms and local media outlets to enhance visibility, data reporting, and public education on reproductive health issues.

As COSWOHI continues to amplify the voices of women and communities, it reaffirms its belief that every woman deserves access to safe, respectful, and quality reproductive healthcare free from stigma and discrimination.

Conclusion

Through the Post-Abortion Care Project, COSWOHI has demonstrated that change is possible when advocacy, education, and compassion intersect. The project’s achievements in policy engagement, service delivery, and community mobilization represent important steps toward building a society where women’s reproductive rights are respected, and their health and dignity are protected.

COSWOHI extends appreciation to all partners, stakeholders, and supporters who continue to stand for women’s health and rights. Together, we are building a future where no woman is left behind, and where post-abortion care is recognized not as a privilege, but as a right.

Author: Communications Team, Committed Soul Women Health Advocacy Africa Initiative (COSWOHI)
Date: November 2025