OVERVIEW

In 2015, Afghanistan launched its first-ever nationwide effort to gather comprehensive demographic and health information of its citizens. The Demographic and Health Survey results provide new baseline data on key population and health indicators, such as fertility levels, marriage rates, awareness and use of family planning methods, breastfeeding practices, nutritional status of mothers and young children, childhood and maternal health and mortality, and information on social indicators, such as domestic violence.

The 2015 AfDHS provides data at the national and provincial levels, as well as for urban and rural areas. Data from the 2015 AfDHS demonstrates where Afghanistan stands in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Results were compiled according to rigorous international standards and, consequently, comparable with results collected in other countries. The Central Statistics Organization (CSO) and the Ministry of Public Health sent trained surveyors across the country from June 15, 2015 to February 23, 2016 to collect data from more than 24,000 households, 29,000 ever-married women, and 10,700 ever-married men. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provided funding for the 2015 AfDHS. ICF provided technical assistance through The Demographic Health Survey (DHS) Program, a USAID-funded project providing support and technical assistance in the implementation of demographic and health surveys in countries worldwide.

The 2015 AfDHS key findings show that two-thirds of Afghan households have access to an improved source of drinking water; more than seven in 10 households have electricity, 87 percent have a mobile phone, and 51 percent have a television; less than half (46 percent) of Afghan children age 12-23 months have received all of the recommended basic vaccinations and only 15 percent of women and 49 percent of men are literate. Regarding women’s empowerment issues, the survey also shows that women still continue struggle to access basic health care services, where 18 percent of women had four or more antenatal care visits and less than half (almost 50 percent) of births are delivered in a health facility. Furthermore, 80 percent of women agreed that a husband is justified to abuse them and 53 percent of ever-married women have experienced physical violence since age 15, and 46 percent experiencing violence in the 12 months preceding the survey. While, the Maternal and Child Mortality estimates are among the important focused indicators for health and development, this survey issues forth an opportunity to utilize broad range evidence-based data to inform and implement policies and programs. The AfDHS survey results will be used by the Afghan government and the international community to reduce health disparities and to ensure that evidenced-based health programs along with resources are reaching those most in need. The project completion culminated with the final report in February 2017.

ACTIVITIES

• Built systems for Afghanistan’s commitment to rigorous and evidence-based decision-making: Supported efforts across the Afghan Government that strengthened its ability to conduct nationally-representative surveys. Analysis standards were elevated to increase the use of verifiable data to improve policies and programs.
• Provided support to the Afghan Government to conduct Afghanistan’s future scientific studies:  Developed methodology, adapted survey tools, trained field staff, ensured data quality, collected and analyzed data, and disseminated results.
• Facilitated effective dissemination of findings: Helped the Afghan Government use the findings to assess the performance of health services, support the development of Afghanistan’s Health National Strategic Plan with hard data, and help officials identify key health priorities.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Steering Committee and technical committees established with representatives from Afghan ministries, United Nations (UN) agencies, the Afghan Government and USAID.
• Methodology developed for provincial-level data collection and disaggregation from more than 25,600 households in 34 provinces; training provided to approximately 370 surveyors, supervisors, and monitors to conduct field research.
• All survey tools were field tested in Kabul and the surrounding districts to ensure reliability and validity prior to their implemented in 34 provinces.
• Questionnaires and training manuals translated into the two national languages: Pashto and Dari.  Survey began in June 2015, and preliminary findings will be available by March 2016.
• The Key Indicator Report (KIR) was launched in May 2016. The report includes national estimates about 20 indicators.
• The Key Findings and Final Report completion was launched in February 2017 by the Afghanistan Minister of Public Health and the President of CSO.