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.
Keywords: Incentive, Motivation, Utilisation, Delivery, Obstetrics, Malawi