Increasing Access to Institutional Deliveries in Uganda
Author Information
Author(s): Ekirapa-Kiracho Elizabeth, Waiswa Peter, Rahman M Hafizur, Makumbi Fred, Kiwanuka Noah, Okui Olico, Rutebemberwa Elizeus, Bua John, Mutebi Aloysius, Nalwadda Gorette, Serwadda David, Pariyo George W, Peters David H
Primary Institution: Makerere University College of Health Sciences
Hypothesis
Does providing a financial incentive (a voucher for institutional delivery and a voucher for transport to access antenatal, delivery and postnatal services) increase antenatal, institutional delivery, and postnatal attendance?
Conclusion
Transport and service vouchers appear to be a viable strategy for rapidly increasing maternal care.
Supporting Evidence
- Safe deliveries in the intervention area jumped from less than 200 to over 500 per month after the introduction of vouchers.
- Attendance of antenatal care visits increased significantly during the pilot phase.
- Local transporters played a crucial role in mobilizing women to access health services.
Takeaway
This study shows that giving pregnant women vouchers for transport and services can help them get to health facilities for deliveries, which is really important for their health.
Methodology
A quasi-experimental trial conducted in two districts in Eastern Uganda with a demand and supply side strategy involving vouchers for transport and services.
Potential Biases
There were instances of fraud and delayed reimbursements related to voucher management.
Limitations
The findings are preliminary and based on a short period of only three months, with potential issues in data quality.
Participant Demographics
Women who delivered babies in the 12 months preceding the survey, residing in the study area.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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