Rockville, Md. – The Abt-led SHOPS Plus project and partner Jamii Africa were among the winners of USAID’s 2018 Digital Development Awards (“the Digis”). The Digis recognize USAID Missions, Bureaus and partners that are helping build an inclusive digital economy using cutting-edge technologies and advanced data analysis. This award recognizes SHOPS Plus’s contributions to designing and implementing a community-based campaign to support Jamii’s innovative new health insurance product.
Only 26 percent of Tanzanian’s have health insurance, and every year over 50,000 are diagnosed with HIV. Despite the urgent need for continued treatment and care, most HIV patients face financial barriers to needed care. SHOPS Plus teamed with Jamii Africa to raise awareness of a new, simple, affordable mobile money-based health insurance product that could help cover the costs of their health care. This support helped demonstrate the ability of health financing solutions to increase access to HIV services for at-risk populations through the private health sector.
The project helped design and implement community-based awareness campaigns to build enrollment among target populations, including people living with HIV. As a result, from June through December 2017, more than 5,100 Tanzanians in four regions were insured.
About Abt Global
Abt Global is an engine for social impact, dedicated to moving people from vulnerability to security. Harnessing the power of data and our experts’ insights, we provide research, consulting and technical services globally in the areas of health, environmental and social policy, technology and international development. http://www.abtglobal.com
Contact:
Mary Maguire
(301) 347-5859
Mary_Maguire@abtassoc.com