A Non-Governmental Organization, Marie Stopes International Nigeria Reproductive Choices, has recently taken a significant step by equipping 68 primary healthcare centers with Family Planning equipment, aiming to enhance services in Sokoto State.
Mrs. Suwaiba Abubakar, the MSI Northwest Regional Manager, made this announcement during the dissemination meeting of the Women Integrated Services for Health extension in Sokoto.
Abubakar elaborated that these healthcare centers are spread across 19 local government areas of the state. MSI Nigeria has not only provided clinical tools but also conducted capacity-building exercises for healthcare personnel to ensure effective service delivery.
The support extended by MSI Nigeria encompasses various aspects, including the provision of consumables for long-term and short-term contraceptives, insertion kits, and essential equipment to improve women’s access to quality services. Abubakar emphasized the organization’s focus on enhancing clinical and data quality, generating demand for services, and managing commodity logistics effectively.
Under a human-centered design approach, tea vendors and their spouses were trained and supported in Family Planning knowledge and referral systems within their communities. Abubakar emphasized that the dissemination meeting aimed to showcase achievements and identify areas requiring further alignment and sustenance.
She urged the government to prioritize Family Planning commodities in health facilities to address stock-out issues and devise strategies to prevent the indiscriminate transfer of trained workers, which poses a challenge to Family Planning activities in the state.
Alhaji Garba Manager, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on Primary Healthcare, commended MSI Nigeria for its support and assured the state government’s commitment to safeguarding people’s lives.
A beneficiary of MSI services, Amina Adamu, shared her experience, attributing her improved life to accessing Family Planning services after health talks. Amina highlighted how the intervention empowered her to plan and space her births effectively, enabling her to ensure a better quality of life for her family.
Malam Shehu Yusuf-Gurmu, a physically challenged individual and one of the tea vendors trained by MSI Nigeria, expressed his satisfaction with the services provided. He noted that through clear communication and dispelling myths, more people are now accessing Family Planning services.
Similarly, Malam Ibrahim Sani, another beneficiary, appreciated MSI Nigeria’s efforts and reaffirmed his commitment to mobilizing more people to access accurate Family Planning information.
The event included discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and participants sharing their experiences, reflecting the positive impact of MSI Nigeria’s interventions in the community.