Provider Performance Incentives for Anti-Retroviral Treatment

Study Context

To date little is known about the effect of provider pay for performance on HIV outcomes in low and middle-income countries.

Study Design

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of financial incentives for providers on HIV treatment continuity, therapy adherence, and health status for people living with HIV/AIDS. This study utilized a quasi-experimental design to evaluate the impact of Rwanda’s pay for performance scheme rolled out in 2006.

Results and Policy Lessons

The results of the study show a positive impact of pay for performance on HIV testing among married individuals (10.2 percentage points increase). Paying for performance also increased testing by both partners by 14.7 percentage points among discordant couples in which only one of the partners is an AIDS patient.