Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme (CCTS) Zambia

This proposal outlines a model for demonstrating whether a Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme (CCTS), integrated into a larger program effort, can increase demand for and utilization of maternal and neonatal health (MNH) services in rural Zambia, where health indicators remain stubbornly dire. The model is based on evidence suggesting that current demand-side interventions, including increasing knowledge of danger signs and raising awareness of available services will not be sufficient to overcome the barriers necessary to bring utilization in line with clinical need. We expect that the CCTS will overcome the financial barrier to access and provide the additional support required to increase institutional delivery rates by 50%, and that this, in combination with supply-side improvements, will have a strong positive impact on the health outcomes of pregnant women and their newborns.

By integrating CCTS into the larger MAMaZ (Mobilising Access to Maternal Health Services in Zambia) program, we take advantage of the collaborative relationships developed with the community level Safe Motherhood Action Groups, the District Health Offices and Ministry of Health to support implementation and lay the foundation for scaling up within the government health system once evidence is generated. There is little confirmation of the value added of conditional cash transfers increasing demand for and utilization of MNH services in Zambia or the region. This innovative project aims to address that gap. CCTS will be complemented by additional community mobilization efforts, including support for community saving schemes, and implemented within an integrated continuum of care.