Can non-monetary incentives increase health facility deliveries? The experience in Thyolo District, Malawi

Attendance for intrapartum care in Thyolo District, Malawi, was studied following implementation of a locally valued, non-monetary incentive. The number of facility-based deliveries per month was compared between the fourth quarter of 2007 and the third quarter of 2009, before and after introducing the incentive that included soap, a baby blanket and a traditional baby wrap. The number of deliveries in health facilities increased by 78% over the 2-year period. The increase was larger in peripheral rural facilities compared with the district hospital (94% vs. 38%). Locally developed incentives may lead to more women receiving professional maternity care in Malawi, particularly in rural areas. (C) 2010 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.