Eze, Ikenna C.; Kramer, Karen; Msengwa, Amina S.; Mandike, Renata; Lengele, Christian
Description:
Background: To protect the most vulnerable groups from malaria (pregnant women and infants) the Tanzanian
Government introduced a subsidy (voucher) scheme in 2004, on the basis of a public-private partnership. These
vouchers are provided to pregnant women at their first antenatal care visit and mothers of infants at first
vaccination. The vouchers are redeemed at registered retailers for a long-lasting insecticidal net against the
payment of a modest top-up price. The present work analysed a large body of data from the Tanzanian National
Voucher Scheme, focusing on interactions with concurrent mass distribution campaigns of free nets.
Methods: In an ecologic study involving all regions of Tanzania, voucher redemption data for the period
2007–2011, as well as data on potential determinants of voucher redemption were analysed. The four outcome
variables were: pregnant woman and infant voucher redemption rates, use of treated bed nets by all household
members and by under- five children. Each of the outcomes was regressed with selected determinants, using a
generalized estimating equation model and accounting for regional data clustering.
Results: There was a consistent improvement in voucher redemption rates over the selected time period, with
rates >80% in 2011. The major determinants of redemption rates were the top-up price paid by the voucher
beneficiary, the retailer- clinic ratio, and socio-economic status. Improved redemption rates after 2009 were most
likely due to reduced top-up prices (following a change in policy). Redemption rates were not affected by two
major free net distribution campaigns. During this period, there was a consistent improvement in net use across all
the regions, with rates of up to 75% in 2011.
Conclusion: The key components of the National Treated Nets Programme (NATNETS) seem to work harmoniously,
leading to a high level of net use in the entire population. This calls for the continuation of this effort in Tanzania
and for emulation by other countries with endemic malaria.