The 2019-20 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (2019-20 RDHS) follows those implemented in 1992, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2014-15. A nationally representative sample of 500 clusters and 13,000 households were selected. All women age 15-49 who were usual residents of the selected households or who slept in the households the night before the survey were eligible for the survey.
The primary objective of the 2019-20 RDHS is to provide up-to-date estimates of basic demographic and health indicators. Specifically, the 2019-20 RDHS:
• collected data on fertility levels and preferences; contraceptive use; maternal and child health; infant, child, and neonatal mortality levels; maternal mortality; gender; nutrition; awareness about HIV/AIDS; self-reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs); and other health issues relevant to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• obtained information on the availability of, access to, and use of mosquito nets as part of the National Malaria Control Program
• gathered information on other health issues such as injections, tobacco use, and health insurance
• collected data on women’s empowerment and domestic violence
• tested household salt for iodine levels
• obtained data on child feeding practices, including breastfeeding, and conducted anthropometric measurements to assess the nutritional status of children under age 5 and women age 15-49
• conducted anemia testing of women age 15-49 and children age 6-59 months
• conducted malaria testing of women age 15-49 and children age 6-59 months
• conducted HIV testing of women age 15-49 and men age 15-59
• conducted micronutrient testing of women age 15-49 and children age 6-59 months
The information collected through the 2019-20 RDHS is intended to assist policymakers and program managers in evaluating and designing programs and strategies for improving the health of the country’s population.