Anatomy of an Indicator: Guide to DHS Statistics

Written by: The DHS Program

14 Feb, 2024

DHS Program data are collected so they can be used to guide programs and policies to improve health and well-being. In addition to making DHS Program data publicly available free of charge, The DHS Program also provides tools to help data users better understand, interpret, and use DHS Program data. The recently released Guide to […]


Connecting Globally, Working Locally: The DHS Program’s Communications Approach

When program managers, policy makers, researchers, journalists, university faculty, students, and others use DHS Program data, evidence-based programs and policies can improve health and save lives worldwide. Since 2003, the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP) has been the official communications partner on The DHS Program. CCP brings social and behavior change communication expertise […]


Nouveau Cours en Ligne Disponible en Français : Cours sur les indicateurs de Nutrition des Enquêtes EDS

Written by: The DHS Program

14 Nov, 2023

La nutrition est le fondement de la santé de du développement. Le suivi des indicateurs nutritionnels est essentiel pour atteindre l’objectif de développement durable n° 2, faim « zéro », assurer la sécurité alimentaire et une meilleure nutrition et promouvoir l’agriculture durable. Le cours sur les indicateurs de nutrition des enquêtes EDS est le dernier cours ouvert […]


Reflections from the 2023 DHS Fellows Program

Written by: The DHS Program

25 Oct, 2023

Many people have used DHS Program data in their Ph.D. dissertations or as a tool to teach hands-on data analysis techniques to public health and statistics students. DHS Fellows get to work directly with DHS Program researchers to strengthen their analytical skills, conduct original research using DHS Program data, write working papers on a topic […]


Nepal Collects New Data to Promote Mental Health and Well-being

Written by: The DHS Program

10 Oct, 2023

Today, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day, and The DHS Program is pleased to shine a spotlight on our implementing partners’ progress toward Sustainable Development Goal Target 3.4. The Nepal Ministry of Health and Population has prioritized ‘promoting mental health and well-being’ by collecting data on mental health in their two most recent surveys: […]


Global Goals Week 2023

Written by: The DHS Program

18 Sep, 2023

It’s Global Goals Week, a week of action, awareness, and accountability for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals. The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program collects demographic and health indicators to calculate approximately 30 of the indicators supporting the SDGs. These indicators and more can be found on STATcompiler. Create custom tables, charts, and maps using DHS […]


Putting Values into Practice: The DHS Program’s Capacity Strengthening Approach of Equitable Partnership

Written by: EnCompass

30 Aug, 2023

Given the scale, complexity, and standardized nature of survey operations, how does The DHS Program center local priorities, strengthen local capacity, and build equitable partnerships throughout the survey process? Looking into the mirror: recognizing our positionality As the capacity strengthening partners on The DHS Program, EnCompass staff spend time thinking about how to reinforce the […]


DHS Data Support Breastfeeding among Working Parents

Written by: The DHS Program

01 Aug, 2023

Breastfeeding provides a range of benefits to children and their mothers. Benefits of breastfeeding include protecting children from disease, supporting their healthy growth and development, and reducing the risk of some cancers for mothers. Protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding requires data to inform and drive action. The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week. […]


How SPA Surveys Support Countries to Prevent Child and Maternal Death

Written by: The DHS Program

26 Jul, 2023

USAID recently released the Framework for Preventing Child and Maternal Death 2023-2030, building on the achievements and lessons learned from the past decade to provide a roadmap for the future: a world where all women, newborns, and children survive, are healthy, and are able to develop and reach their full potential. The new Service Provision […]


Anthropometry measurement (height and weight) is a core component of DHS surveys that is used to generate indicators on nutritional status. The Biomarker Questionnaire now includes questions on clothing and hairstyle interference on measurements for both women and children for improved interpretation.