Germany’s KfW has approached GPOBA to help expand its existing health voucher scheme in Uganda. KfW successfully launched a pilot project in July 2006, which finances the diagnosis and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). In addition, the current project will fight maternal mortality through provision of vouchers for safe child birth. This includes ante-natal and post-natal visits as well as birth attendance by trained professionals, and provision of caesarean section (where required). The voucher scheme will target rural and poor peri-urban populations living in the areas of approved providers in the greater Mbarara region in western Uganda. KfW will implement the project on GPOBA’s behalf.

The project was launched on September 2008. The number of people verified to have benefited from this project is 80,107 up to June 30, 2010.

This project will increase women’s access to trained medical professionals throughout pregnancy and will also provide subsidized STD treatment to poor Ugandans. Up to 135,912 people will benefit from GPOBA’s intervention.

GPOBA funding will help to subsidize the cost of service delivery.

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Peter Okwero