Options is leading a new three-year maternal newborn health programme using results-based financing initiatives in Western Central Zone and South-Eastern Zone of Malawi. The programme is supporting the Government of Malawi in addressing MDGs 4 & 5 through the introduction of sustainable results-based financing mechanisms and is focusing on quality-based contracting of both public and private providers, and the removal of financial barriers to access for the poor through the provision of a cash transfer for pregnant women to enable them to access transport to an accredited health facility, as well as a small contribution towards costs associated with remaining at the health facility 48 hours after delivery.