CHE Seminar Series: Are asset transfers the solution for health challenges of the extreme poor? Evidence from a randomized control trial in Bangladesh
We examine the impact of an asset transfer program, Targeting the Ultra Poor (TUP), on women’s health outcomes, health-seeking behavior, health-related behavior, and health knowledge in Bangladesh. The TUP is an integrated program that combines the transfer of income-generating assets, entrepreneurship training, health information, and access to latrines for women in extreme poor households. Using data from a randomized control trial over four years, we find significant improvements in women’s health following program intervention: women in TUP program, especially prime-age adults, are significantly more likely to experience an increase in body mass index (BMI) and less likely to experience illness that affects work. We analyze the channels through which the program affects health outcomes. There is a significant income effect as the consumption of nutritious food, such as fruit, fish, and meat increases. Women were also more likely to visit doctors instead of trying to self-treat following an illness. There was also improved hygiene practices like the use of latrines, and a partial improvement in health knowledge.
Speaker profile
Shamma Alam’s research focuses on different aspects of development economics, such as health economics, fertility issues, household-decisionmaking, impact of welfare programs and effects of economic shocks. He has worked with different development organizations. He served as a Consultant at the World Bank several times, including in their Economic Policy, Poverty and Gender Group, Development Data Group, and East Asia and Pacific Region group. He also previously served as a consultant in the Agriculture Policy Team at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In addition to teaching at Dickinson, Shamma Alam serves as a Research Associate at the CEQ Institute at Tulane University. Shamma Alam received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Washington, Seattle.
Weekly seminar series
As part of our Centre's vibrant research culture, we host a weekly seminar series. Visiting and invited researchers present current research relating to the economics of health and wellbeing, and the healthcare sector. Visitors are welcome to join these sessions where discussion and debate is encouraged.
For further information on our seminar series, please contact shannon.stanwell@monash.edu.
Event Details
- Date:
- 24 July 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
- Venue:
- Caulfield campus, Building H, Level 2, Room H209
- Categories:
- Alumni; CHE Seminar; General
Description
We examine the impact of an asset transfer program, Targeting the Ultra Poor (TUP), on women’s health outcomes, health-seeking behavior, health-related behavior, and health knowledge in Bangladesh. The TUP is an integrated program that combines the transfer of income-generating assets, entrepreneurship training, health information, and access to latrines for women in extreme poor households. Using data from a randomized control trial over four years, we find significant improvements in women’s health following program intervention: women in TUP program, especially prime-age adults, are significantly more likely to experience an increase in body mass index (BMI) and less likely to experience illness that affects work. We analyze the channels through which the program affects health outcomes. There is a significant income effect as the consumption of nutritious food, such as fruit, fish, and meat increases. Women were also more likely to visit doctors instead of trying to self-treat following an illness. There was also improved hygiene practices like the use of latrines, and a partial improvement in health knowledge.
Speaker profile
Shamma Alam’s research focuses on different aspects of development economics, such as health economics, fertility issues, household-decisionmaking, impact of welfare programs and effects of economic shocks. He has worked with different development organizations. He served as a Consultant at the World Bank several times, including in their Economic Policy, Poverty and Gender Group, Development Data Group, and East Asia and Pacific Region group. He also previously served as a consultant in the Agriculture Policy Team at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In addition to teaching at Dickinson, Shamma Alam serves as a Research Associate at the CEQ Institute at Tulane University. Shamma Alam received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Washington, Seattle.
Weekly seminar series
As part of our Centre's vibrant research culture, we host a weekly seminar series. Visiting and invited researchers present current research relating to the economics of health and wellbeing, and the healthcare sector. Visitors are welcome to join these sessions where discussion and debate is encouraged.
For further information on our seminar series, please contact shannon.stanwell@monash.edu.