Using mobile phones to fight malaria in Tanzania

Since 2011, the Tanzania National Voucher Scheme (TNVS) has used mobile phone text messaging to provide pregnant women with an electronic voucher redeemable at participating retailers for a long-lasting insecticidal 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, puzzling researchers: Do they have enough nets in the home? Did they misplace their e-voucher? Could they not even afford the modest price? Do they understand the protection a mosquito net offers?  Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) is an implementing partner of the TNVS. MEDA and Yeates have designed a cluster randomized trial that will test the effectiveness of a text message (SMS) dialogue with the women who are issued an e-voucher, sending them reminders to redeem them for nets. The team will also collect data about usage and barriers, and investigate potential solutions. 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.

Using mobile phones to fight malaria in Tanzania

Enabling Technologies & Assays

Apr 2013 — Mar 2016

$1.5M

Tanzania