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Impact of conditional cash transfer programs on health outcomes in Argentina: a retrospective, observational analysis based on MICS 2019/2020

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  • Nikoloski, Zlatko
  • Zapata, Maria Elisa
  • Mossialos, Elias

Abstract

Background: Conditional cash transfers (CCTs) are widely used to combat intergenerational poverty and to invest in human capital. Argentina introduced its own CCT program AUH (Asignación Universal por Hijo) in 2009. The aim of this research was to assess the relationship between the AUH program and key indicators: healthcare use, nutritional indicators (among children under five years), and high school enrollment. Methods: We utilized data from the Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in Argentina between late 2019 and early 2020. Specifically, we employed different matching techniques to estimate the relationship between AUH and healthcare utilization and high school enrolment. Additionally, we assessed the program's importance in improving nutrition outcomes among children under five years. Findings: Our analysis reveals that the AUH program has not significantly increased healthcare utilization among affiliated children. When accounting for program heterogeneity, the impact of the program was found to be consistent across boys and girls, and across children of different ages, although we found evidence of increased healthcare utilization among adolescents. In addition, there was no statistically significant evidence for a link between program affiliation and reduction in stunting and wasting among children under five years. Furthermore, the program has led to increased high school enrolment among boys, consistent with established findings. Interpretation: The AUH program demonstrates a limited impact, particularly on health and nutrition outcome indicators. Efforts should be made to improve the program by focusing on cash transfer conditionality and amount, as well as strengthening healthcare infrastructure. Funding: None.

Suggested Citation

  • Nikoloski, Zlatko & Zapata, Maria Elisa & Mossialos, Elias, 2025. "Impact of conditional cash transfer programs on health outcomes in Argentina: a retrospective, observational analysis based on MICS 2019/2020," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 127334, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:127334
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Teresa Molina Millán & Tania Barham & Karen Macours & John A Maluccio & Marco Stampini, 2019. "Long-Term Impacts of Conditional Cash Transfers: Review of the Evidence," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 34(1), pages 119-159.
    2. Sarah Baird & Francisco H. G. Ferreira & Berk Özler & Michael Woolcock, 2013. "Relative Effectiveness of Conditional and Unconditional Cash Transfers for Schooling Outcomes in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 9(1), pages 1-124.
    3. Marco Caliendo & Sabine Kopeinig, 2008. "Some Practical Guidance For The Implementation Of Propensity Score Matching," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 22(1), pages 31-72, February.
    4. Lila Rabinovich & Stephanie Diepeveen, 2015. "The Design of Conditional Cash Transfers: Experiences from Argentina's Universal Child Allowance," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 33(5), pages 637-652, September.
    5. Rajeev H. Dehejia & Sadek Wahba, 2002. "Propensity Score-Matching Methods For Nonexperimental Causal Studies," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 84(1), pages 151-161, February.
    6. Boniface Kalanda & Charles Mandala & Joseph Magwira, 2006. "Malawi - Public Works Programme : Conditional Cash Transfers as an Emergency Response to a National Food Shortage," World Bank Publications - Reports 9611, The World Bank Group.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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