Analysis of Out-of-Pocket Patient Spending

ICAP is collaborating with local and international partners to conduct an analysis of out-of-pocket spending by patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Côte d’Ivoire. Out-of-pocket spending represents a critical barrier to accessing health services and often results in marked disparities in access to health. Even in countries where people living with HIV are exempt from user fees and ART is free, studies have shown that transportation costs and other expenses can require substantial out-of-pocket expenditure. In West African countries, such as Côte d’Ivoire, where people living with HIV are not exempt from user fees, this challenge is compounded.