Maggie Ashaba, a DHPI-R graduate volunteer, explaining the RCT readiness tool to the Research Assistants during the training
As Uganda prepares to conduct the second phase of the Polio Mass Vaccination Campaign, several efforts are underway to guarantee the success of this round.
One such effort is being undertaken by the Digital Health Payment Initiative and Research in Africa (DHPI-R) project through Makerere University School of Public Health Makerere School of Public health in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development is accessing district readiness to use electronic payment modes while paying the campaign health workers.
The project is gearing up to conduct a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to assess the effectiveness of Mobile Money payment on Polio Vaccination Coverage (include proper title). The study is set to occur in 55 randomly selected districts in the central, eastern, western, northern, and southern parts of Uganda.
Led by Dr. Nankabirwa Victoria, an Epidemiology Expert with vast experience in running successful RCTs from Makerere University school of public health. One of the formative studies looks at understanding and accessing the extent to which districts are ready to transact using electronic payment modes for payments to health workers that will participate in the upcoming mass polio campaign.
The readiness assessment is currently being conducted in the 55 select districts. An inquiry is being made into the existence of infrastructure and capacity elements that are requisite for the electronic transaction to be initiated and completed. Data gathered from this expedition is currently being analyzed.
Compiled by Judith Grace Amoit