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Estimated Economic Benefits of Reducing Low Birth Weight in Low-Income Countries

World Bank

Published in : 2004

Available in : English

Keywords : low birth weight, economic impact, cost analysis, nutrition

Low birth weight (LBW) is a major contributor to infant mortality. Beyond that, reducing low birth weight could result in appreciable economic benefits. The present paper considers the potential benefits from reducing low birth weight in seven distinct categories: 1. Reduced infant mortality; 2. Reduced neonatal care; 3. Reduced costs of infant/child illness; 4. Productivity gain from reduced stunting; 5. Productivity gain from increased ability; 6. Reduction in costs of chronic diseases; 7. Intergenerational benefits.

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Estimated Economic Benefits of Reducing Low Birth Weight in Low-Income Countries. (PDF, 8.17Mb)

Originally posted at : World Bank Nutrition Publications & Reports

This resource is listed in the SCN Food and Nutrition Resource Portal under:

Themes: Interventions, general, Undernutrition, general, Maternal undernutrition / LBW

Life-cycle focus: Infancy, Intergenerational focus

Resource types: Reports