The DHS is Gone! Now What?

Since 1984, the Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) have collected and collated data in more than 90 countries. But the demise of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has also lead to almost all of this program sunsetting. For four decades the DHS has provided leaders, policymakers, program implementers, healthcare providers, the media and the general public with country-specific data on population demographics, health, nutrition, access to services, among other indicators.

But we can no longer depend on the DHS for these data. So now what?

Well World Solutions was pleased to identify alternative data sources to the DHS. These sources range from World Bank and United Nations managed survey data (population demographics including livelihoods and productivity data) to those from various Barometer surveys (opinions, attitudes and norms) to administrative data and data tracking relevant laws and regulations.

Please see our presentation to Girls Not Brides on May 8, 2025, which provides details on these different data sources.