Eric explains the importance of MSI’s work as an outreach provider in Burkina Faso

Eric has seen how sexual and reproductive healthcare services have enabled women in rural Burkina Faso to thrive, and shares the difficulties they will face if these services didn’t exist.

​MSI Burkina Faso has been providing sexual and reproductive healthcare across the country since 2009. Its network of outreach teams travel to clients in rural areas, reaching internally displaced people and many communities that want to access reproductive healthcare. 

Eric is an MSI provider working in various health centres in Boussouma. He describes the significant risks that women face when they cannot access sexual and reproductive healthcare.  

“The risks are enormous. Family planning services help mothers take proper care of their children. Without access, it becomes challenging for families. Women are often left to fend for themselves. They have to care for their children and handle farming work without much support. Their children may fall sick, and they have to handle expenses on their own. This prevents them from engaging in productive activities to support their families. However, if women can access family planning services, they can prevent unwanted pregnancies, avoid certain illnesses, and take better care of their children and families.”  

Eric shares the positive outcomes of MSI’s contributions to the centres they support.

“There have been many positive outcomes. In most health centers where I work, there is a shortage of staff, and by supporting these centers, we provide much-needed relief. Moreover, our outreach efforts in schools and markets help raise awareness among young people and students, encouraging them to prioritize their studies. At the community level, the presence of MSI has made a significant difference – people collaborate with us and value our efforts.”  

He explains how difficult it would be to see these services come to an end. He shared these concerns with us in January 2025, as some MSI Burkina Faso programs were funded by the USAID ‘Propel’ project which were potentially facing funding cuts at the time. 

“A lot could happen if MSI services were to stop in this area, with significant repercussions at every level. Many people often face shortages, shortages of income and shortages of materials necessary for proper care. MSI’s intervention in this area provides a valuable boost. Without MSI, many centres would lack the materials necessary to provide family planning methods to women.”  

“At high schools and colleges, young people might find themselves without guidance. MSI truly makes a substantial impact whether it’s for the youth, the general population, or all levels of society.”  

“If, one day, we are unable to offer these services for free to women, it would bring me a deep sense of regret. This feeling stems from the fact that I have experienced the time when family planning services were not free. We have known this. Now that these services are truly free, I can’t help but wonder: if MSI were to stop providing them at no cost, what would happen to the population? What would our mothers do? Considering their income and standard of living, it would be incredibly difficult for them to manage.”  

Eric shared that he continues to feel proud of the work he does and thanks the donors that support the programme.  

“If MSI continues to offer free services in the long term, I would feel truly happy and proud. This is a unique and meaningful profession. While the impact of these services may not always be immediately visible, we all understand that lives are being saved, communities are being supported, and populations are being empowered to thrive.”