The 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) preliminary report has been launched last August indicated that the country has made improvement in family planning, maternal care, early child mortality and other health services.
Under the supervision of Ministry of Health, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) conducted the survey from 21st March to 28th June 20l9 in collaboration with Central Statistical Agency (CSA) and other international organizations.
The survey revealed that family planning services, maternal care, early child mortality and child immunization has shown improvements from the 2016 full scale Demographical and Health Survey (DHS) findings.
Accordingly, family planning service 36 to 41, maternal care 62 to 74, and early child mortality declined from 67 to 55 and child immunization penta3 from 53 to 61 nationally in percentages.
The main objective of the survey was to provide up to date estimates of key demographic and health indicators, according to the Ministry.
The survey has collected high quality data on contraceptives use, maternal, child and infant mortality as well as nutrition issues relevant to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it was indicated.
The information collected through the 2019 DHS is intended to assist policy makers and program managers in evaluating and designing programs and strategies to improve health conditions of the country.
The survey also helps the health sector to oversee activities and set future directions on improving the sector, he noted.
The full scale DHS surveys were conducted in 2000, 2005, 20ll, and 20l6 where as the first DHS was conducted in 2014, it was learnt.
The Ethiopian Herald October 10, 2019
BY STAFF REPORTER
