At the 2025 Notre Dame Building Inclusive Growth (BIG) Forum, Professor Edward Miguel presented new evidence on the health impacts of unconditional cash transfers in rural Kenya. Based on a large-scale study conducted in partnership with the NGO GiveDirectly, the research evaluated cash transfers to the poorest households in Western Kenya and found substantial health benefits, including an estimated 40% reduction in infant mortality and approximately 100 lives saved during the transfer period. These improvements were driven largely by increased access to healthcare for pregnant women and newborns, highlighting the role of financial resources in enabling timely use of medical services.

The findings emphasize the importance of complementarities between cash transfers and local health infrastructure. Impacts were strongest when transfers were provided during pregnancy and early infancy and among households located closer to hospitals, suggesting that timing, targeting, and service accessibility are central to program effectiveness. Overall, the study contributes to development economics and global health research by demonstrating that combining direct financial support with investments in public goods can significantly improve health outcomes and enhance the effectiveness of poverty alleviation programs.