UNFPA, Lagos, and GoMed Launch Digital Health Services for Students

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Lagos State government, and GoMed Nigeria, a digital health platform, have started a new digital self-care initiative. This program aims to improve access to reproductive health services for students.

A press release on Wednesday revealed that the initiative will first serve students at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). It will provide free contraceptives and other sexual and reproductive health products.

The partners explained that this platform will tackle issues like cost, distance, stigma, misinformation, and worries about privacy. These factors often stop young people from getting the reproductive health services they need.

They mentioned that these barriers lead to unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted infections, and education disruptions among young people.

A 2025 study titled "Factors Associated with Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Utilisation Among Female Students in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution," published in the African Journal of Stability and Development, showed that female students use sexual and reproductive health services less often. This is due to stigma, financial issues, long wait times, and privacy concerns.

Through this platform, GoMed stated that students will receive free contraceptives and other health products provided by the Lagos State Ministry of Health and UNFPA. They will also get access to health products at discounted prices and discreet delivery to campuses and student hostels.

Students can find sexual and reproductive health information through UNFPA’s SoftLife 247 and U-Plan platforms. With U-Plan, they can chat with qualified family planning service providers for reliable information and support. GoMed’s registered pharmacists will offer private advice on medicines and other health products.

The partners noted that this initiative supports UNFPA’s goal to meet family planning needs among young people by making reproductive health products and information easier to access. It also fits with the Lagos State government’s aim to lower unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections while improving youth-friendly health services.

During the launch, Anthony Edeki, the Chief Executive Officer of GoMed Nigeria, said the platform aims to bring trustworthy healthcare closer to students while keeping their privacy safe.

“Students should be able to get reliable health information and essential products without cost, distance, or fear of judgment becoming barriers. This platform brings free sexual and reproductive health commodities, other affordable health products, and professional guidance together, with discreet delivery directly to students on campus,” Mr Edeki said.

Muriel Mafico, the UNFPA Resident Representative in Nigeria, said the partnership would improve access to life-saving reproductive health information and products.

“As the UN agency responsible for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, we are committed to reducing preventable maternal deaths and addressing the unmet need for family planning. We do this by providing and overseeing access to life-saving commodities worldwide,” Ms Mafico said.

“Working with our partners, we’re helping roll out the digital Self-Care Platform so that vital, life-changing information can reach more people easily. Together, we want to empower Nigeria’s next generation to make informed health choices and achieve better health outcomes and a brighter future.”