Demographic and Health Survey Shows Advances in Health

November 29, 2007

The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Mission Director in Nicaragua, Alex Dickie, participated in the presentation of the 2006-2007 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS).

The DHS results show significant progress in Nicaragua in lowering infant mortality rates and increasing health services for the population.

“We now know that the infant mortality rate went dropped from 59 per 1000 in 1992 to 29 per 1000, in 2007; that 74% of births are attended by qualified personnel in comparison to 59% in 1992; and that the use of family planning methods increased to 72%”, said Alex Dickie, quoting some of the results of the survey.

“This indicates that during the last 15 years, there have been significant improvements in health for the Nicaraguan people.  We are very pleased with these results, since USAID has been one of the primary donors in the health sector,” added the Mission Director.

The total cost of the DHS was $1.3 million dollars, for which USAID contributed $800,000.  USAID has provided assistance to conduct and publish the surveys in Nicaragua in 1992-1993, in 1997-1998, in 2001 and for the latest survey. 

“We need to make these results available to the public, analyze them, and most important, use them in the design of policies and priorities to improve even more the health and education of Nicaraguan families,” said Alex Dickie.  “This is a priority of the U.S. government and the American people, and we will continue to give our support for a healthier and prosperous Nicaragua.”