Microfinance and health services: Experience and views of women in the VICOBA grassroots bank system

Village Community Banks (VICOBA) is a grassroots group-based microfinance model designed to support viable income-generating activities for the poor, especially women excluded from the formal sector. Integration of microcredit programs with health services is reported to have improved health and social outcomes in other contexts. This study aims to understand the experiences of women involved in VICOBA programs in the Moshi District of Tanzania and to explore their views regarding the potential for integration of VICOBA with health services, including health education.