PRB

Since 1984, USAID has funded the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program to provide technical assistance to more than 400 surveys in over 90 countries. On February 24, 2025, the U.S. government terminated the DHS Program. In the aftermath of the termination, numerous efforts have emerged to mobilize action to sustain collection of high-quality demographic and health data through surveys. These efforts span a range of critical challenges, including preservation and accessibility of current data, completion of near-final surveys, and identifying long-term strategies to support future data collection. As multiple streams of effort have emerged, PRB organized a virtual global convening to support coordination and collaboration.

The convening brought together key stakeholders—including leaders from National Statistical Offices, donor organizations, partner organizations, and data user groups—to identify opportunities and priorities for collaboration to protect current data and preserve ongoing data collection activities. This event created a space to identify needs, gaps, opportunities, and emerging solutions; share efforts that are underway; and support ongoing coordination among stakeholders moving forward.

This meeting report summarizes the discussion and ideas shared in the convening. Each topic, objective, and related stakeholder discussion is presented, with little interpretation, to form a record of the conversation and ideas that arose. This report concludes with a summary of emerging next steps.

For questions about the report or to learn more about ways to engage ongoing dialogue on the future of the DHS, contact Kaitlyn Patierno (kpatierno@prb.org).