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Social fund and infant mortality: Evidence from an anti‐poverty policy in Northeast Brazil

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  • Álvaro Robério de Souza Sá
  • Danyelle Karine Santos Branco

Abstract

This paper evaluates the effects of a social fund that meets the needs of the poor in Northeast Brazil, the Fundos Estaduais de Combate e Erradicação da Pobreza (FECEP). The program could have improved infant health by reducing poverty and improving access to health care, sanitation, food, and housing. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach robust to heterogeneous treatment effects, we confirm that the program has effectively reduced poverty in treated areas. Furthermore, we document that this poverty reduction is associated with a significant decline in infant mortality. These findings provide consistent evidence that targeted public investments can improve living conditions in vulnerable regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Álvaro Robério de Souza Sá & Danyelle Karine Santos Branco, 2024. "Social fund and infant mortality: Evidence from an anti‐poverty policy in Northeast Brazil," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(4), pages 674-695, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:hlthec:v:33:y:2024:i:4:p:674-695
    DOI: 10.1002/hec.4785
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