For three decades, Options worked alongside governments, civil society and communities across more than 60 low- and middle-income countries to build stronger, more equitable health systems. Options has now closed, but its impact remains.

With a particular focus on the health and rights of women and girls, the policies we strengthened, the systems we built, and the partnerships we formed remain in the countries where we operated, carried forward by governments, institutions and local experts.

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What we achieved

Between 2021 and 2024 alone, Options’ work contributed to over $656 million in additional health budget allocations across eight countries, strengthened 120 sub-national health systems, and supported the development or implementation of 171 policies. More than 4,000 health facilities across ten countries improved the quality of care they provide, and 1.3 million people accessed services addressing gender-based violence, disability and mental health.

In Nigeria, we helped shape the development of ‘contributory health insurance schemes’ in Jigawa State and lifted sexual and reproductive healthcare budget allocations in Kano from zero to ₦200 million.

In Kenya, advocacy and technical support helped the government more than triple its domestic funding for family planning commodities, while public financial management support reached 15 counties.

In Nepal, we supported the development of the country’s national health sector strategy and financing strategy, both adopted at cabinet level.

In Malawi and Zambia, bottleneck analyses translated directly into faster procurement and significantly higher commodity budget execution.

Underpinning all of this was a belief that lasting change in health comes not from short-term projects, but from strengthening the institutions, financing systems and accountability mechanisms that outlast any single programme.

Funding the mission

Options was wholly owned by MSI Reproductive Choices, and over three decades returned tens of millions of pounds in profits to support MSI’s work providing reproductive healthcare to women and girls around the world. Every policy strengthened and every budget increased through Options’ work sat alongside this contribution to reproductive choice.

Thank you

Thank you to the ministries, partners, consultants, communities, and former colleagues, who worked with us over our 30 years. The relationships and systems strengthened through these partnerships continue. We expect the impact of Options’ work to keep supporting national policy, regional institutions, and community-level services for years to come.

For any former Options team members that require HR support, please contact MSI’s HR team.

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