A randomized study in Kenya found that a one-time $1,000 cash transfer to families reduced infant deaths by 48%, with the biggest gains for mothers living near health facilities. The cash helped women afford prenatal care and avoid heavy work late in pregnancy, leading to better health for both mothers and newborns.
The finding comes from the same randomized rollout as the broader general equilibrium RCT, with this new mortality finding made possible by a new survey covering over 100,000 births in the study region.