In a compelling opinion piece published on May 19, 2025, physicians Mona Hanna and Miriam Laker-Oketta advocate for direct cash transfers to mothers as a potent tool to combat preventable maternal and child deaths. Their insights are grounded in clinical experience and evidence from programs in the United States and Africa.(The Washington Post)
A Global Health Challenge
Bill Gates has pledged to donate nearly all of his $200 billion fortune by 2045, aiming to eliminate preventable deaths among mothers, children, and babies. Hanna and Laker-Oketta argue that to achieve this goal, it’s essential to address poverty directly through unconditional cash transfers to mothers.
Evidence from the United States: Rx Kids Program
In Flint, Michigan, the Rx Kids program provides expectant mothers with $1,500 during mid-pregnancy and $500 per month postpartum. This initiative has led to:
- Reduced postpartum depression
- Improved nutrition
- Increased prenatal care attendance
- Healthier births
- Fewer neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stays
- Decreased child welfare cases(The Washington Post, The Washington Post, The Washington Post)
Families report spending the funds on essentials like food, housing, and baby supplies, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in addressing basic needs.
Success in Africa: GiveDirectly’s Impact
In Africa, GiveDirectly’s programs have demonstrated remarkable outcomes:
- In Kenya, a one-time $1,000 cash transfer halved child mortality rates for children under five.
- In Rwanda, similar transfers reduced child mortality by 70% and nearly doubled vaccination rates.(The Washington Post)
These results underscore the transformative potential of direct cash support in improving health outcomes.
The Case for Cash
Numerous studies affirm that unconditional cash transfers:
- Enhance birth weights and nutrition
- Increase vaccination rates
- Lower maternal stress
- Are more cost-effective than traditional aid programs focused solely on advice or training(The Washington Post)
Importantly, recipients consistently use the funds responsibly, investing in essentials that directly benefit their families’ health and well-being.
A Call to Action
Hanna and Laker-Oketta emphasize that while cash transfers are not a replacement for medical interventions, they significantly enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of health programs. They advocate for integrating direct cash support into global health strategies to profoundly improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Source: Washington Post – Bill Gates wants to give his wealth to moms. Make it cash.
