Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) is the largest and leading voluntary organization committed to reproductive health, including family planning, in Nigeria.

We are responsible for providing about 10 per cent of family planning services in the country.

We are officially recognized by the Federal Government and are provided with grants and accommodation, as well as exempted from some taxes and import duties.

Our mission is "through partnerships and capacity building, PPFN will strive to increase access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, using gender-sensitive strategies that respond to the diverse socio-cultural factors in the country. In adition to men and women, our efforts are directed to adolescents and young people in recognition of the vulnerabilities of this important subgroup. To be effective, PPFN will adhere to the principles of active community participation and transparent management".

PPFN aims to integrate modern contraception into the practice of traditional medicine.

Traditional healers, largely male, are trained on a two-week highly participatory course on the ideals of non-prescriptive contraceptives like condoms, the pill and foaming tablets, and how to offer such services to their clients.

The healers learn:

• simple human anatomy and physiology
• basic hygiene
• information regarding nutrition and AIDS
• communication techniques (including family planning songs, drama and role play)

This has resulted in strong referral links between traditional healers, modern practioners and PPFN.

PPFN provides a range of services including:

• infertility counselling
• sterilisation
• sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV/AIDS counselling and education
• referral for pap smear and high vaginal swab
• pregnancy testing
• family planning

The clinics provide a wide range of modern contraceptive methods:

• barriers
• injectables
• pills
• intuterine contraceptive device (IUCD) 
• Norplant is available at the main clinic

The political and social instability in the country results in frequent changes in the top tiers of government, necessitating continuous advocacy to obtain and maintain the support and commitment of leaders to the programme. 

Activites include courtesy visits to leaders, advocacy seminars for policy makers and community leaders, and training health reporters.

We intend to use integrated programme marketing communication to contribute to a reasonable level of knowledge and awareness of family planning. 

Activities include:

• group-based lectures and talks
• home visits
• film shows
• participation in radio and television programmes
• training family planning promoters in seven states

PPFN aim to invest in staff development to train:

• volunteers and staff, including managers
• clinic officers and assistants
• doctors and counsellors
• staff of other agencies as family planning providers and communicators

PPFN's commitment to adolescent reproductive health is projected into targeting in- and out-of-school young people in collaboration with the National Youth Council of Nigeria. 

Activities include:

• motivational talks and lectures in schools
• youth clubs and organizations
• film shows
• debates
• essays
• quizzes
• drama contests

PPFN also run a men's reproductive health project, and a women's reproductive health project.