Cash Transfers Reduce Infant Mortality in Pregnancy – Research
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Unconditional Cash Transfers Dramatically Reduce Infant and Child Mortality
A groundbreaking study reveals that providing unconditional cash transfers to pregnant women in rural Kenya considerably improves early childhood survival rates. Researchers found that a one-time payment of US ,000 – roughly 75% of annual household income - reduced infant mortality by 49% and under-five mortality by 45% in families receiving the funds around the time of birth.
This research, based on a large-scale randomized controlled trial encompassing over 100,000 children across more than 650 villages and 10,500 low-income households, offers compelling evidence of the life-saving potential of direct financial support to expectant mothers. The positive impact is particularly pronounced among the poorest families.
The reduction in deaths is linked to improved access to and utilization of essential healthcare services, including hospital births, alongside better nutrition and increased opportunities for mothers to rest during and after pregnancy. This highlights the critical importance of combining financial support with quality healthcare access for optimal outcomes.
Key Findings & Service Value: This study demonstrates the profound impact of financial empowerment on maternal and child health in resource-constrained settings. For organizations working in global health and development, these findings support the implementation of unconditional cash transfer programs as a cost-effective intervention to reduce preventable deaths and improve overall well-being. The research underscores the need to address socioeconomic factors as integral components of healthcare strategies.
Source: Walker, M.W., et al. (2025). Can Cash Transfers Save Lives? Evidence from a Large-Scale Experiment in Kenya. National Bureau of Economic Research. DOI: 10.3386/w34152 www.nber.org/papers/w34152
Provided by University of Oxford.