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Saving Money, Saving Lives: An Inquiry Into a Micro-Savings Maternity Product in Kenya

This report documents an evaluation of the benefits, challenges, and potential opportunities associated with a stored-value savings program, implemented by Changamka Microhealth Limited, which aims to help women finance facility-based maternity care. The research team conducted interviews and surveyed individuals who use the electronic health savings card and analyzed a database of savings card transactions made during a savings card pilot period. The results from the report demonstrate that a stored-value savings device such as the Changamka card is valuable and useful to users, but note several challenges with the card’s implementation. The recommendations include reaching out to poorer and less educated communities, reaching clients sooner so that women are encouraged to start saving earlier, and expanding the provider network to include more facilities.