Professional Assessment of Family Planning Service Delivery in Sokoto State

Family planning service delivery in Sokoto State operates in one of Nigeria's most challenging social and demographic contexts, and professional assessment of its quality, reach, and barriers provides evidence for programme strengthening that could significantly influence northern Nigeria's fertility transition. This study assessed family planning service delivery across 40 PHC facilities in Sokoto North, Wamakko, and Tambuwal Local Government Areas, Sokoto State. A mixed assessment methodology was applied, combining structured facility surveys (n = 40 facilities), client exit interviews (n = 240 clients), and structured consultations with 15 family planning programme coordinators and community health workers. Facility assessment covered method availability, supply stock-outs, staff training, community outreach frequency, and client counselling quality. Results showed that long-acting reversible contraceptives (implants and IUDs) were available in only 27.5 percent of facilities. Method stock-outs in the preceding 3 months were reported by 60.0 percent. Community outreach occurred at least monthly in only 35.0 percent of catchment areas. Only 47.5 percent of facility staff had received refresher family planning training in the preceding 2 years. Client exit surveys confirmed that 54.2 percent were satisfied with the range of methods offered. Male partner refusal remained the most cited barrier to method acceptance. Recommendations include logistics management system reform for contraceptive supply, community health worker support supervision, male engagement programme expansion, and Islamic scholars' partnership with the Sokoto State Family Planning Programme.

Keywords: family planning service delivery, Sokoto State, contraceptive supply, community health worker, North West Nigeria