BPC social program prevented 571,000 deaths in Brazil

A preliminary study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) indicates that Brazil’s Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC) has prevented approximately 571,000 deaths and 13 million hospitalizations over the last 30 years.

The BPC is a non-contributory social assistance program for elderly citizens over 65 and people with disabilities living in poverty. According to the research, every one percent increase in BPC coverage correlates with a 2.9% reduction in hospitalizations, a 0.6% reduction in deaths, and a 3.9% reduction in Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY).

The study also highlights an economic benefit, noting that every R$ 1 invested in the program saves the government R$ 3.81 in healthcare costs. Furthermore, increased coverage is linked to a 5% reduction in mortality for children aged 0 to 4, as beneficiaries often serve as primary caregivers for grandchildren in low-income households.