What the study found
The study found that, in its first years, the Happy Child Programme in Brazil was associated with higher vaccination rates for children under age one in urban municipalities and lower avoidable death rates among children under age one in rural-adjacent municipalities.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say these findings are particularly salient because vaccination rates have recently been declining and preventable child deaths have persisted in Brazil. The study suggests the programme may be relevant to early childhood development efforts that address these problems.
What the researchers tested
The researchers examined the Happy Child Programme, described as one of the world's largest home visitation programmes, and its impacts on child vaccination and preventable death rates. They used a difference-in-differences approach, which compares changes over time between places with and without the programme.
What worked and what didn't
The study reports that vaccination rates increased by 4.9 percentage points for children under age one in urban municipalities. It also reports that avoidable deaths decreased by 9.3 percentage points among children under age one in rural-adjacent municipalities.
What to keep in mind
The abstract describes findings from the first years of implementation, so the summary is limited to that period. It also does not provide additional limitations beyond the scope of the outcomes and settings reported.
Key points
- The Happy Child Programme was linked to higher vaccination rates for children under age one in urban municipalities.
- The programme was linked to lower avoidable death rates among children under age one in rural-adjacent municipalities.
- The reported changes were 4.9 percentage points for vaccination and 9.3 percentage points for avoidable deaths.
- The authors say the findings are salient in light of recent declines in vaccination rates and persistent preventable child deaths in Brazil.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Happy Child Programme raised vaccination and lowered avoidable deaths
- Authors:
- Raquel Tebaldi, Franziska Gassmann, Bruno Martorano
- Institutions:
- United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-08
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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