Rwanda Interim Demographic and Health Survey (RIDHS) follows the Demographic and Health Surveys (RDHS) that were successfully conducted in 1992, 2000, and 2005, and is part of a broad, worldwide program of socio-demographic and health surveys conducted in developing countries since the mid-1980s. RIDHS collected the indicators on fertility, family planning and maternal and child health which the survey normally provides. In addition, RIDHS integrated a malaria module and tests for the prevalence of malaria and anemia among women and children, thus determining the prevalence of malaria and anemia for women and children at the national level. The main objectives of the RIDHS were: • At the national level, gather data to determine demographic rates, particularly fertility and infant and child mortality rates, and analyze the direct and indirect factors that determine fertility and child mortality rates and trends. • Evaluate the level of knowledge and use of contraceptives among women and men. • Gather data concerning family health: vaccinations; prevalence and treatment of diarrhea, acute respiratory infections (ARI), and fever in children under the age of five; antenatal care visits; and assistance during childbirth. • Gather data concerning the prevention and treatment of malaria, particularly the possession and use of mosquito nets, and the prevention of malaria in pregnant women. • Gather data concerning child feeding practices, including breastfeeding. • Gather data concerning circumcision among men between the ages of 15 and 59. • Collect blood samples in all of the households surveyed for anemia testing of women age 15-49, pregnant women and children under age five. • Collect blood samples in all of the households surveyed for hemoglobin and malaria diagnostic testing of women age 15 to 49, pregnant women and children under age five.
