ASHENEWS reports that family planning (FP) services in Bodinga, Sokoto State, have seen remarkable growth, with the number of women visiting clinics for family planning advice and products nearly quadrupling from June to October.
Thanks to private sector support, clinics in the area have become more accessible to women, who now have more control over their reproductive choices.
Private sector organizations like The Challenge Initiative (TCI), Social Mobility (SM), PDC, ROUT, EFPFP, and PAL have played an instrumental role in this transformation. These organizations have not only supplied clinics with essential family planning products but have also driven extensive awareness campaigns across local communities, helping break down long-standing barriers around family planning.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), family planning allows individuals and couples to decide when and how many children to have, a choice that remains out of reach for many. Globally, around 257 million women who wish to avoid pregnancy still lack access to safe, effective contraception, especially in developing regions like Nigeria.
At the Women and Child Welfare Clinic in Sifawa, Bodinga, Asmau Hassan, the clinic Coordinator for family planning services, shared that private organizations’ involvement has led to a notable rise in patient visits. “The number of family planning patients has been rising steadily, with 75 patients in July. In August, we saw 158 patients, 218 patients in September, and 307 in October,” Asmau explained. “The number by October is more than four times what we had in June.”
Asmau emphasized that private sector support is very helpful because they organize programs to educate people about the importance of child spacing and where to access products. This makes it easier for patients to find their way to the clinic for family planning services.
According to her, many of these patients come through referrals from TCI and SM, while others arrive independently, guided by word of mouth and community programs. “When TCI refers a patient, they arrive with a TCI client card, so the clinic knows they are from TCI, while SM referrals come from within the clinic, as SM staff work directly there.
“For patients who come on their own, the clinic still provides care, although they aren’t documented under any private organization. The clinic, however, informs them about TCI, SM, PDC, ROUT, EFPFP, and PAL in case they are interested in joining.”
Asmau highlighted that these organizations organize regular programs educating communities about family planning benefits, such as preventing unintended pregnancies and reducing risks of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and infertility.
“This outreach has proven invaluable, helping women make informed choices about their reproductive health”, she said.
At Dingyadi Primary Health Care, Fatima Hussaina, another FP service manager, echoed Asmau’s sentiments. She explained that, in the past, many women in Sokoto State were unaware that it was possible to space their children, especially if they were sexually active. However, as private organizations came in to educate and inform them, women started to understand that it was possible.
Fatima also noted a big increase in patients coming for family planning products. “In the past, we had less than 30 family planning visits annually. This year, between June and October, we recorded over 400 visits. We have had 89 visits in June, 70 in July, 94 in August, 120 in September, and 95 in October.,” she said, emphasizing the transformative impact of private-sector-led awareness.
“Many women in Sokoto State, previously unaware of the option to space their children, are now taking steps to do so, thanks to education and access facilitated by these organizations.
Fatima added that family planning is a safer, more sustainable alternative to the higher risks associated with unplanned pregnancies and abortions.
Mr Chika Mohammed, overseeing operations at Dingyadi Primary Health Care, thanked private organizations for their role in helping women make empowered choices. “Their support in educating our communities and ensuring family planning products are available has been invaluable,” he said.
The increase in family planning visits across Bodinga highlights a powerful shift, underscoring the importance of private-sector involvement in healthcare. By supporting family planning, these organizations contribute not only to individual well-being but to the broader social and economic stability of the region.
