Photo Credit: UNICEF

Preliminary Results of Albania’s First Demographic and Health Survey Published

TIRANA, OCTOBER 5, 2009 –Today, the Albanian Ministry of Health released the preliminary report of Albania’s first Demographic Health Survey.  Findings from the report provides up-to-date information on characteristics of households and population, migration, education, fertility, family planning, infant and child mortality, reproductive health, child health, sexual behavior, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), breastfeeding practices, gender and violence in Albania.

“The U.S. government through USAID supported this survey because of the value that this data for numerous purposes and for many actors, including civil society, international donor agencies, and central and local governments,” said USAID representative, Dr. Zhaneta Shatri at the launch.  “The key now is to make sure that the data is studied and applied to policies and programs not only in the health sector, but across all development and reforms.”

The Demographic and Health Survey (ADHS) was carried out by the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) and the Institute of Public Health (IPH) under the leadership of the Ministry of Health. The survey has produced statistically sound and internationally comparable estimates of social indicators.

The data collection process took place over a period of 6 months, from late October 2008 to April 2009. A total of 8,994 households were selected in the sample, yielding a household response rate of 98 percent. In addition to the information collected through household interviews, anthropometric measurements, hemoglobin testing and blood pressure measurement were performed by interviewers during the field work.

Preliminary report being launched today presents data on fertility rate, maternal health care, use of family planning methods, child mortality, immunization coverage, Anemia levels, nutrition status of children, and knowledge on HIV prevention. Results indicate further decline in total fertility rates, a decrease in contraceptive prevalence rate and an increased use of modern contraceptive methods.

Immunization coverage for Albanian children remains at 95% and a majority of women receive antenatal care and deliver their babies in a health facility. However one in six children is stunted and seven percent of children are wasted. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding is less common and complementary feeding starts early. About two thirds of married women are using a method of family planning and three quarters of women know three common methods for preventing HIV transmission.

The ADHS has received funding support from international agencies: U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID), United Nations’ Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Swiss Agency for development and Cooperation (SDC), United Nations’ Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Spanish Government. Technical assistance to ensure quality of the survey and build local capacity was provided by MACRO International.

The Demographic and Health Survey results are extremely useful to those seeking to understand the current situation, adjust policies where needed, and plan better actions for women and children’s health.

For more information please contact:
Ela Petrela DHS coordinator IPH
Tel: 06840 58013

Lantona Sado DHS coordinator INSTAT
Tel: 0692072884

Demographic Health Survey: Fact Sheet

Demographic Health Survey: Power Point Presentation