The Lagos State Government and ARDA Development Communications Incorporated have launched a toll-free reproductive health helpline aimed at supporting women and girls facing unplanned pregnancies and reducing maternal deaths linked to unsafe abortions.
The initiative, known as the No Stigma, Total Support and Sustained Action (NTS) Project, features ITUNU, a free and anonymous Interactive Voice Response (IVR) platform accessible through 08000017777. The service provides confidential reproductive health information, counseling and referrals to healthcare and support providers.
Speaking at the launch in Lagos, ARDA Project Coordinator Priscilla Fibarissima said the project was created to tackle the stigma surrounding unplanned pregnancies and improve access to accurate reproductive health information.
“Our goal is to reduce maternal mortality and end the stigma faced by women with unplanned pregnancies. We want them to have access to support, counseling and reliable information that will help them make informed decisions,” she said.
Fibarissima noted that fear of judgment often pushes women and girls toward unsafe abortion methods, leading to serious health complications and deaths. She added that the ITUNU platform also offers referrals and support for survivors of rape and incest.
Representing the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Kehinde Ososanya, Deputy Director of Medical Services and Disease Control, described unwanted pregnancy as a major public health challenge requiring a coordinated response.
He said Lagos has expanded reproductive health education, family planning awareness and adolescent-friendly services through its network of primary healthcare centres.
“We are promoting prevention through family planning and sexual health education while ensuring that women and girls can access care and support without stigma,” Ososanya said.
He added that adolescent and youth-friendly clinics are available across primary healthcare facilities in the state, providing young people with access to reproductive health services in a supportive environment.
The stakeholder engagement brought together health officials, community leaders, civil society groups and media practitioners to strengthen advocacy for sexual and reproductive health rights.
The NTS Project is currently focused on Somolu and Alimosho local government areas, where it aims to improve access to reproductive health information, reduce stigma and connect vulnerable women and girls to life-saving healthcare services.
Organizers urged residents, community leaders and media organisations to publicize the ITUNU helpline, stressing that confidential support is available free of charge to anyone who needs it.
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