Evidence on the effects of poverty reduction programs on health outcomes remains limited. This study examines the impact of BRAC’s Ultra-Poor Graduation (UPG) program on morbidity and mortality among ultra-poor households in Bangladesh. Using data from a seven-year randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted across 13 districts, the study tracked 7,950 households and 25,802 individuals, with a baseline in 2007 and follow-ups in 2009, 2011, 2014, and 2024. The program provided eligible ultra-poor women with productive assets, entrepreneurial training, cash allowances, and healthcare guidance. Findings reveal that 17 years after program inception, the intervention reduced mortality by 21 deaths per 1,000 individuals. Male mortality in the treatment group was consistently lower than in the control group across all follow-ups, representing reductions of 21%, 26%, 28%, and 14%, respectively. A significant reduction in female cumulative mortality (17%) was observed only in the final follow-up, particularly among women aged 55 and above. Regarding morbidity, communicable illness rates were consistently lower in the treatment group throughout all follow-ups, while non-communicable disease rates converged by 2011. Elderly women in treatment households showed the greatest and most statistically significant reductions in morbidity across all follow-up rounds. These results demonstrate that poverty reduction programs can generate sustained health benefits alongside economic gains. Policymakers are encouraged to integrate health outcome metrics into program evaluations to better capture the full value of such interventions for vulnerable populations.
Authors: Tamim, Sheikh Arman; Das, Narayan C.; Matin, Imran; and Sulaiman, Munshi
Type: Evidence and Insights
Publisher: BIGD
Year: 2025
