MCH Coordinators, MSI Reproductive Choices Set Agenda for Stronger FP Data Harmonisation

MCH Coordinators, MSI Reproductive Choices Set Agenda for Stronger FP Data Harmonisation

By Bashir HASSAN, Abubakar

Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and Family Planning (FP) Coordinators across the 20 Local Government Areas of Bauchi State have called for strengthened collaboration with MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices, particularly in the area of data sharing on sexual and reproductive health and family planning (SRH/FP) services delivered during community outreach activities.

The call was made during the 2026 Family Planning Mobile Outreach Schedule and Work Plan Meeting organised by the MSI Reproductive Choices Nigeria, Bauchi Field Office. Participants described the meeting as timely and critical to improving the coordination and quality of SRH/FP services across the state.

Speaking to our correspondent, the MCH Coordinator of Giade LGA, Nafisatu Adamu, underscored the importance of harmonising data generated by MSI outreach teams with those recorded at public health facilities. She said such alignment would strengthen the state’s reproductive health database and support evidence-based planning and decision-making. “MSI needs to share the data collected during their community outreaches so we can harmonise it with our facility reports. This will help both sides maintain a more accurate and reliable SRH/FP database,” she stated.

Also commenting, Ladan Isa Dalhatu, representing the Bauchi State Accountability Mechanism on MNCH (BaSAM), an evidence-based advocacy civil society organisation, noted that the meeting created an opportunity to identify gaps in the delivery of reproductive health and family planning services. He said the deliberations enabled stakeholders to propose practical solutions and develop approaches for strengthening data harmonisation across the MCH and FP sectors.

In her remarks, the MCH/FP and Gender Desk Officer of Gamawa LGA, Sugura Lawan, said the meeting provided a platform to plan effectively for 2026 and identify underserved communities that need to be prioritised for outreach services. She commended MSI Reproductive Choices for its commitment and urged community members to take advantage of the free family planning services offered. She, however, advised MSI teams to always be mindful of community norms and cultural values to ensure greater acceptance of FP interventions.

Speaking on the sidelines, the North East Regional Manager of MSI Reproductive Choices, Mr. Dauda Samaila, praised the Bauchi State Government for providing an enabling environment that has contributed to significant progress in family planning uptake. He said the achievements recorded would not have been possible without the support of the state government and the dedication of MCH/FP Coordinators across the 20 LGAs.

Our correspondent reports that MSI Reproductive Choices is one of Nigeria’s leading providers of long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods and has been partnering with Bauchi State to expand access, build community awareness, train public health providers, and strengthen the availability of reproductive health commodities.