Options’ top stories of 2023: Trends and insights

In 2023, we shared a range of articles that provided insights into the most topical issues in global public and sexual and reproductive health. From gender equality and social inclusion, mental health, female genital mutilation, commodity security and health systems strengthening, we highlight the five most popular blogs we published in the past year.

1. 4 lessons on how to promote gender equality and social inclusion in health programming

World leaders have committed to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030. Time is ticking and if we are truly going to make affordable healthcare accessible to in the next seven years, urgent action is needed. To deliver UHC, we must consider gender equality and social inclusion in our global heath interventions and respond to the specific needs of those most marginalised. Read more.

2. The long view: Our support to Nepal’s health sector over 25 years

In 2022, we celebrated our 25^th anniversary in Nepal. Our work there has enabled more than 100 public hospitals to provide emergency obstetric care and helped to reduce the maternal mortality ratio by 70%. In this blog, our Global Health Strategist Alison Dembo Rath reflects on the impact we’ve delivered in the country as part of her 20-year journey with Options. Read more.

3. Tackling mental health stigma and discrimination in Ghana

In Ghana, between 85-98% of people experiencing mental health conditions in the country cannot access the treatment they need due to a lack of service provision and trained mental health professionals, inaccessible services and the stigma surrounding mental health. Find out how Ghana Somubi Dwumadie‘s grant scheme tackles discrimination towards people with disabilities and mental health conditions in the country. Read more.

4. Lessons from Kenya on how a total market approach can create vibrant contraceptive commodity markets

Family planning (FP) has enormous untapped potential to transform the lives of women and their families, to improve health outcomes and to foster economic growth. However, hundreds of millions of women in low- and low-middle income countries are currently unable to access contraception. Insights from our work in Kenya show that a total market approach makes contraceptive markets more effective and equitable. Read more.

5. Survivors in the spotlight: How can girl-centred programming help end female genital mutilation

We lead the UK aid-funded Africa-Led Movement to End Female Genital Mutilation Programme (The Girl Generation), which aims to accelerate positive changes in social attitudes toward ending female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) and a reduction in the practice in focus countries by 2025. We spoke to four active members and survivors of the end-FGM/C movement to find out what inspired them to join the fight to end the practice. Read more.