e-Library of Evidence for Nutrition Actions (eLENA)


An online library of evidence-informed guidelines for nutrition interventions and single point of reference for the latest nutrition guidelines, recommendations and related information.

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Conditional cash transfer programmes and nutritional status

Intervention | Last updated: 9 August 2023


Conditional cash transfer programmes give money to households on the condition that they comply with certain pre-defined requirements. These conditions can include, for example, up-to-date vaccinations, regular visits to a health care facility, regular school attendance by children, and complying with health and nutrition promotion activities (e.g. attending education sessions, taking nutritional supplements, etc.). Conditional cash transfer programmes are aimed at reducing poverty as well as breaking the cycle of poverty for the next generation through the development of human capital.

Current evidence suggests that conditional cash transfer programmes can be effective in increasing the use of health services and improving health outcomes including nutritional status, however, further research is needed before specific recommendations can be made.

WHO Recommendations


Further research is needed before specific recommendations can be made.

Guidelines and guidance documents Learn More Alternate Text


GRC-approved guidelines


Status: Not currently available

Evidence


Related Cochrane reviews


The impact of conditional cash transfers on health outcomes and use of health services in low and middle income countries

Lagarde M, Haines A, Palmer N.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD008137.

Summary of this review Alternate Text

Other related systematic reviews


Financial incentives and coverage of child health interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Bassani DG, Arora P, Wazny K, Gaffey MF, Lenters L, Bhutta ZA. BMC Public Health. 2013;13 Suppl 3:S30.


Cost-effectivenеss Learn More Alternate Text


Relevant cost-effectiveness analyses have not yet been identified.