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The research, conducted in partnership with co-authors Michael Walker, Nick Shankar, Professor Edward Miguel, and Grady Killeen from the University of California, Berkeley, evaluates the effects of a large-scale cash transfer programme operated by the non-government organisation GiveDirectly. Their findings show that providing a one-time, unconditional cash transfer of USD1,000 (equivalent to around 75% of annual household income) reduced infant mortality by 49% and under-five mortality by 45% in households where the cash arrives just around the time of birth.
Drawing on regional census data covering over 100,000 children across 10,500 low-income households in more than 650 villages, the study offers rare and compelling evidence from a large-scale randomised controlled trial of how direct financial support to expectant mothers can dramatically improve early childhood survival.
The sharp reduction in infant and child deaths is due to reductions in largely preventable conditions by appropriate obstetric care. It is concentrated amongst the poorest households and appears to be driven by several channels, including increased rates of hospital births, improved nutrition, and the ability of mothers to rest during pregnancy and after childbirth. Access to quality healthcare therefore seems a crucial complement in generating these effects.
Read the full story on the University of Oxford website.