Simulation of the Mother and Child Benefit Programme
Findings from implementation research in Pekua Upazila, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
Highlights
UNICEF, in partnership with CARE Bangladesh, implemented a pilot simulation of the Mother and Child Benefit Programme (MCBP) in Pekua Upazila, Cox’s Bazar district in Bangladesh. The pilot was funded by the European Union, and it ran from January 2023 to June 2024. It simulated the national MCBP, which combines cash transfers with health and nutrition services to support pregnant women and young children below the age of four.
The goal of the Pekua simulation was to generate evidence on implementation aspects, including fidelity of implementation, as well as challenges and enablers that hindered or supported programme implementation.
Based on focus group discussions and key informant interviews, the study examined the following specific areas: (i) relevance and adequacy of the cash transfer and services; (ii) coordination among programme implementing partners and other stakeholders; (iii) programme monitoring and timeliness; and (iv) enablers and bottlenecks for implementation of the various programme components, including linkages to local health services.
The research on the Pekua MCBP simulation provides valuable lessons and recommendations that can guide the scale up of the national MCBP programme. The results can also support the implementation of other cash-plus social protection programmes in analogous contexts.
