Cash Transfers Reduce Infant Mortality in Pregnancy – Research

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.