Hati Salama (Secure Voucher)

Expanding the Successful E-voucher System to Improve Malaria Prevention and Fight New Global Health Threats Through Innovative Health Partnerships and Mobile Phone Technology in Tanzania

The use of long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) is shown to reduce malaria prevalence. The Tanzania Net Voucher Scheme has been an active component of bed net distribution to pregnant women in Tanzania since 2004. The transition from paper vouchers to electronic vouchers in this program has increased efficiency and the ability to track and distribute nets since 2007. Although the program has been successful, to date, electronic voucher redemption varies widely across the country and it has not been clearly established as to what barriers exist for women who receive electronic vouchers in the program. This cluster-randomized trial was designed to examine perceived barriers to electronic voucher redemption among pregnant women and to evaluate if educational and personalized text messages around electronic voucher redemption and bed net usage will increase electronic voucher redemption when directed at pregnant women who receive electronic vouchers in the currently existing program.

Use of behaviour change communication via text messages to pregnant women receiving an electronic voucher for long lasting insecticide treated nets redemption through antenatal clinics.

Control group receives no behaviour change communication via text message, but receives an electronic voucher for long lasting insecticide treated nets redemption through antenatal clinics.

Increased uptake of long-lasting insecticide treated nets from retailers using an electronic voucher through text messaging.