The Bolsa Família reduced mortality in children up to 5 years of age by 19.4%.  The reduction was even greater when you consider the mortality rates for causes linked to extreme poverty such as malnutrition (a decline of 58%) and diarrhea (47%), according to data published in the British magazine The Lancet.

This occurred not only because of the improvement in their diets –thanks to the money from the Bolsa Família, but also due to the commitments required by the Bolsa Família program in the area of health: to receive the benefits families must keep the vaccination cards for children under 7 up to date and must also have the younger children weighed and measured twice per year.

In addition pre-natal care is required for expectant mothers, infants and nursing mothers.