Development Impact Bonds (DIBs) are innovative financing tools designed to fund programs through private investments based on the achievement of agreed-upon outcomes. The Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health (ASRH) DIB stands out as a pioneering initiative, being the first of its kind aimed at improving sexual and reproductive health services for adolescent girls. The ASRH DIB is implemented by Tiko and focuses on enhancing the availability and quality of sexual reproductive health (SRH) services. By utilizing a digital platform known as the Tiko platform, the programme encourages adolescent girls to access vital SRH information and services, ensuring support is both accessible and confidential.
Role of Mathematica Global
Mathematica Global plays a crucial role as the independent Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) Partner in this trailblazing project, supporting the integrity and success of the program. Independent and defensible results on the ASRH DIB Programme are required to inform outcome payments confidently. Mathematica Global has designed a multi-component TPM that provides the needed independent verification of the metrics used to trigger investor payments, as well as support learning and adaptation of the ASRH DIB model to improve SRH service reach and quality of care. The multifaceted evaluation plan includes review of the ASRH DIB data quality assurance procedures, an audit of the Tiko platform used to collect and process programme data, secondary data analysis of Tiko platform data and on-site data verification.
Impact and Future Prospects
The work is currently ongoing until 2026 and the insights provided by Mathematica Global’s independent evaluation will enhance the overall transparency and accountability of the ASRH DIB. This financing model holds tremendous potential for replication in other regions, promising to transform funding approaches in public health and beyond.
The ongoing successful implementation of the ASRH DIB, supported by the robust independent evaluation by Mathematica Global, demonstrates the powerful role of TPM in impact investing. As this model continues to evolve, the lessons learned here will undoubtedly influence global strategies in developmental finance and public health, paving the way for a healthier future for adolescent girls worldwide.
Author: Ziporah Mugwang’a, Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Consultant
