Zimbabwe launches 2023-24 Demographic and Health Survey

Taboka Tshuma, Sunday News Reporter

The 2023-24 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) was launched on Tuesday in Bulawayo, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to improve public health.

The launch event was attended by various stakeholders, including the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) Director-General Mrs Tafadzwa Bandama, and representatives from USAID.

The ZDHS is a comprehensive survey that provides valuable insights into Zimbabwe’s health landscape including trends in fertility, mortality and health care access.

The survey is expected to provide policymakers and healthcare professionals with the data needed to develop effective health interventions and programs

In her keynote address, Mrs Bandama emphasized the importance of the survey in informing health policies and programs. She noted that the data unveiled will guide to re-focus resources, refine strategies, and make informed decisions that improve health outcomes for Zimbabweans.

“The results of the ZDHS come at a pivotal time for Zimbabwe. As we conclude the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1), these findings will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of our development policies and strategies. Moreover, they will serve as a foundation for the development of the NDS 2. At the international level, the ZDHS results are instrumental in reporting our progress on commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Africa Agenda 2063. ZIMSTAT remains committed to its role in providing data-driven insights to inform policy formulation and decision-making,” she said.

She expressed her gratitude to all the stakeholders who contributed to the success of the ZDHS including Government Ministries and Departments, USAID, the Global Fund, the Health Resilience Fund, the Steering and Technical Committees, the Survey Management Team, field staff, data processing personnel, and most importantly, the respondents.