Options Consultancy Services

Options Consultancy Services (commonly 'Options') worked for three decades alongside governments, civil society and communities across more than 60 low- and middle-income countries to build stronger, more equitable health systems, with a particular focus on the health and rights of women and girls. According to MSI Reproductive Choices, Options has now closed, though its impact remains.

Options worked for three decades alongside governments, civil society and communities across more than 60 low- and middle-income countries to build stronger, more equitable health systems, with a particular focus on the health and rights of women and girls. Between 2021 and 2024 alone, its 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, Options 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, Options 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. Options has now closed, but its impact remains, carried forward by governments, institutions and local experts.

1. 1Options - MSI Reproductive Choicesmsichoices.org