Tag Archives: data use

New in DHS-8: Updates to Postnatal Care (PNC) Indicators

Written by: The DHS Program

16 Oct, 2024

The days and weeks following childbirth are the postnatal period, a vulnerable phase in the lives of mothers and newborns. Postnatal care (PNC) refers to the care provided to the mother and newborn immediately after birth and during the first six weeks of life.​ DHS Program surveys collect information on three key components of PNC: […]


Harmonized Malaria Indicator Survey Data Now Available through IPUMS DHS

Written by: The DHS Program

20 Aug, 2024

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.3 aims to end epidemics including malaria. The WHO Global technical strategy for malaria 2016-2030 sets targets to: DHS Program data are essential for monitoring malaria prevalence, for example through diagnostic blood testing of children under age 5. The DHS Program also frequently collects information on malaria prevention measures such […]


Research Partnership Enhances Health Policies and Programs using DHS Program Data

Written by: Avenir Health

10 Apr, 2024

For the past 15 years, Avenir Health have been partners on The DHS Program, providing technical assistance in policy, planning, resource allocation, and evaluation to support people to use DHS Program data to inform policy decisions and health programs at national and local levels. Pioneers in the field of demographic and projection modeling, Avenir Health […]


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 […]


The DHS Program API: A Cornerstone of Inclusion

Written by: Blue Raster

29 Mar, 2023

What is an Application Programming Interface (API)?   An Application Programming Interface (API) is a way for computers to communicate with each other by providing a common set of language for connecting systems. The DHS Program Indicator Data API simplifies access to the robust database of 35+ years of DHS Program data from 90+ countries. How […]


Disseminating DHS Data at the Subnational Level in Nigeria

Written by: The DHS Program

25 Jun, 2020

As health systems and programs are increasingly managed at subnational levels (regions, states, or counties), DHS data are frequently available at smaller geographic units. For instance, the 2018 Nigeria DHS provides estimates at the national level, by urban-rural residence, and for 6 zones and 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). There is an […]


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.