Study Shows Direct Aid Boosts Maternal and Infant Health in Kenya

A new study has found that direct cash transfers can dramatically improve maternal and infant health outcomes in rural Kenya. Researchers from UC Berkeley and Oxford tracked over 100,000 births and discovered that a one-time $1,000 mobile money transfer to households with pregnant women reduced infant mortality by 48%. The funds also encouraged a 45% rise in hospital deliveries, while women reported working 51% fewer hours during late pregnancy and postpartum, easing health risks. However, with USAID slashing its Kenya budget by 46%—around $225 million—experts warn of setbacks to maternal care. The study champions these no-strings-attached grants as a scalable, cost-effective strategy for aid organizations to save lives and strengthen health systems.

SEMAFOR