Governments across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have been implementing large-scale cash transfer programs that have shown significant improvements in health outcomes, according to a recent study published in The Lancet by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. The study analyzed data from 37 LMICs between 2000 and 2019, with 20 of these countries introducing cash transfer programs. The results revealed that when governments provided monetary support through these programs, more women received early pregnancy care, more babies were born in health facilities, and more births were attended by trained health workers.
The impact of these cash transfer programs extended beyond maternal health to children’s well-being. Babies in countries with cash transfer programs were more likely to be exclusively breastfed, receive adequate nutrition, and be vaccinated against measles. Additionally, these programs helped reduce the incidence of childhood diarrhea and underweight children. The study highlighted the positive effects of cash transfers on a wide range of health indicators for both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries.
The findings of this research have significant implications for addressing poverty and improving health outcomes globally. With more than 20% of the world’s population living on less than $3.65 a day, and millions facing extreme poverty exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, cash transfer programs offer a promising solution. The study emphasized that expanding the coverage of cash transfer programs can lead to substantial health improvements for families in LMICs.
In the United States, where social safety net programs like SNAP are facing cuts, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers. Initiatives like the Rx Kids program in Flint, Michigan, which provides financial support to expectant mothers and families, demonstrate the potential benefits of cash transfers at the local level. The research underscores the importance of considering cash transfer programs as a means of supporting vulnerable populations and promoting better health outcomes.
The study’s lead authors emphasized the need for countries to prioritize cash transfer programs as a way to address poverty and improve health outcomes for women and children. By leveraging the evidence presented in this study, policymakers can make informed decisions about implementing and expanding cash transfer programs to create a healthier and more equitable society. For more information, you can access the full study published in The Lancet.
