A recent study has examined the results of two of the World Banks most prominent programs against the HIV and AIDS epidemic in two of Africa’s most struggling nations. In Malawi, the Bank has been issuing cash payments to young female students for their constant attendance in school. In Tanzania, a similar program extends to men as well, offering both genders a cash reward for avoiding unsafe sex habits. The study shows a stable drop in infection rates, proving that this creative approach to the fight against AIDS and HIV in developing nations may just be working, and could be something that would be successful elsewhere.

In Malawi, the Bank is awarding young girls cash for school attendance, which, according to a recent study of the two-year program has lowered the infection rate of this demographic. Female students who achieved 75 percent or better attendance records received payment for their efforts. In this group of students, the rate of infection dropped 60 percent over the course of study. This program serves as a dual purpose as it keeps young women from dropping out of school, while also giving them the opportunity to learn about safer sex practices so that they have the chance to take charge of their own sexual health. In addition to keeping a strong educational base for these girls, the study found that those who were paid for their attendance where the ones who either abstained from sexual activity, or engaged themselves with men their age, as opposed to wealthy older men, which had become commonplace. A similar program in Tanzania paid young women and men to avoid having unprotected sex. In the results from this study, a drop of 25 percent in the infection of an array of sexually contracted diseases was noted.

The World Bank acknowledges the unconventional method of approach, but notes that the current and preceding programs were proving to be ineffectual. To an institution that has given 1.4 billion dollars to date for the fight against the spread and provide the treatment of HIV and AIDS in developing nations, any means necessary is appropriate.