Stage 5: Scaling
Grand Challenges Canada has awarded a $792,000 scale-up grant supplementing funds secured by MEDA, an international economic development organization that creates business solutions to poverty, to enable TNVS, with the help of a global health researcher at Queen's University, to increase the efficiency of the e-voucher distribution system.
In Tanzania, malaria causes 100,000 deaths each year. Pregnant women and young children are at the highest risk. Since 2011, the Tanzania National Voucher Scheme has used mobile phone text messaging to provide pregnant women with an electronic voucher redeemable at participating retailers for long-lasting incesticidal bed nets for a nominal fee (33 cents). The scheme has made a significant impact on malaria control in Tanzania, but gaps remain--about 40% of women do not redeem the e-voucher.
Focus Areas:
Health, Infectious & Vector Diseases, Prevention & Vaccination and 4 MoreSEE ALL
Health, Infectious & Vector Diseases, Prevention & Vaccination, Digital Inclusion & Connectivity, Technology, Monitoring & Evaluation and Social and Behavior ChangeSEE LESS
Innovation Description
Design a cluster randomized trial to test the effectiveness of text messages (SMS) with the women who are issued an e-voucher, sending them reminders to redeem them for nets. The team will collect data, investigate potential solutions, and learn why some women do not redeem their net voucher.
How does your innovation work?
Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) is an implementing partner of the TNVS. A recent grant will enable the organization to increase the efficiency of the distribution system of e-vouchers, focus it more intensively in areas of high malarial risk, and examine how the remarkable text-based delivery system could be applied to additional health threats of growing importance, such as hypertension.
Planned Goals and Milestones
MEDA and Dr. Karen Yeates of Queen's University have designed a cluster randomized trial that will test the effectiveness of a text message (SMS) dialogue. This will not only indicate if SMS is an effective method to ensure redemption but will also investigate why some women do not redeem their net voucher. Involving the end user will ultimately lead to better management and improve the electronic delivery method, reducing the burden of malaria for women and children.
