Demographic and health surveys program II : final report -- August 20, 1989 - June 30, 1994, contract number DPE-3023-Z-00-8074-00

Despite the fact that the contractor had to get a no-cost extension to complete DHS-II, the project was completed within the confines of the original budget and surpassed its goals, both in terms of surveys (requested from Missions and USAID Washington) and publications. The contractor provided extensive formal on-the-job training, which has significantly improved countries" capacities to undertake population and health surveys, and implemented information dissemination activities that have helped policy makers and program managers to better understand the implications of the surveys" findings; DHS data continue to provide the basis for much of the policy and evaluation work in the areas of health and population and to provide important clues and indicators for program improvement. Finally, the contractor built on the experience of DHS-I to continue improving the survey methodology and procedures. DHS surveys have become the standard for similar surveys and the DHS approach and techniques have been adopted by programs outside the DHS. (Author abstract, modified)