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Using Subsidies to Enhance Access to Maternal and Newborn Health Care in Remote Villages

Author

Listed:
  • Bancalari, Antonella
  • Bernal, Pedro
  • García, María Fernanda
  • Ibarrarán, Pablo
  • Sánchez-Monin, Emmanuelle
  • Zúñiga Brenes, Paola

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of alleviating remoteness constraints on access to quality maternal and newborn health care. Using a cluster-randomized controlled trial, we provided transportation vouchers to impoverished pregnant women residing in remote Nicaraguan villages located approximately five hours from the nearest health center, along with accommodations vouchers for maternal waiting homes. These vouchers were provided to the women and to companions of their choosing. The subsidies increased the utilization of quality antenatal care, institutional delivery, and quality postnatal care for mothers and newborns. Additionally, neonatal and infant mortality rates, as well as fertility rates, decreased in treated communities five years after the intervention began.

Suggested Citation

  • Bancalari, Antonella & Bernal, Pedro & García, María Fernanda & Ibarrarán, Pablo & Sánchez-Monin, Emmanuelle & Zúñiga Brenes, Paola, 2024. "Using Subsidies to Enhance Access to Maternal and Newborn Health Care in Remote Villages," IDB Publications (Working Papers) 13791, Inter-American Development Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:idb:brikps:13791
    DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18235/0013208
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cutler David M. & Meara Ellen, 2000. "The Technology of Birth: Is It Worth It?," Forum for Health Economics & Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 3(1), pages 1-37, January.
    2. David M. Cutler & Ellen Meara, 2000. "The Technology of Birth: Is It Worth It?," NBER Chapters, in: Frontiers in Health Policy Research, Volume 3, pages 33-68, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • D04 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Policy: Formulation; Implementation; Evaluation
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure

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