Craig McIntosh, research associates find 'income effect' in HIV prevention in Malawi
World Bank cites study in news article
07/19/2010
World Bank
For years, the global community has zeroed in on behavior change as a key to fighting the global HIV epidemic. But so far, the approach has brought only limited success in reducing HIV infections in developing countries.
The frustrations are especially evident in sub-Saharan Africa, which has two-thirds of the world’s HIV infections and an equally alarming share of new infections among adults. Women and girls, in particular, are at greater risk, partly because of the biological, social and economic challenges they face.
Economists at the World Bank’s Development Research Group are trying to change that. Already, two large randomized trials involving cash incentives are showing promise in reducing sexually-transmitted infections in Tanzania and Malawi. The innovative studies, if proven to be equally effective on a larger scale, could help make a dent in reversing the HIV epidemic.
Read the full article here.
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Professor McIntosh is a development economist whose work focuses on program evaluation. His main research interest is the design of institutions which promote the provision of financial services to micro-entrepreneurs. He has conducted field evaluations of innovative anti-poverty policies in Mexico, Guatemala, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. He is currently working on research projects investigating how to boost savings among the poor, on whether schooling can be used as a tool to fight HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa, and on mechanisms to improve the long-term viability of Fair Trade markets.
