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In the context of its desire to obtain a database designed to provide reliable indicators to monitor and assess the implementation of the country’s sector programs and policies, the Poverty Reduction Strategy, Vision 2020 and the commitments it has undertaken at the international level, in particular the Millennium Development Goals, the Government of Rwanda has just completed the Third Demographic and Health Survey (EDSR-III 2005).EDSR-III follows the surveys that were successfully conducted in 1992 and 2000, and is part of a broad, worldwide program of socio-demographic and health Surveys conducted in developing countries since the mid-1980’s. In addition to the indicators on fertility, family planning, and maternal and child health which the Survey normally provides, the main innovation of EDSR-III was the integration of a survey module on the seroprevalence of HIV and anemia as well as a module on domestic violence. 

As such, for the first time, the survey allowed us to determine the prevalence of HIV at the national level. Using this report, the reader will be better able to delineate the socio-demographic challenges the country faces and that it will have to meet, in particular: a maternal and infant mortality rate which remains high despite being in decline, poor utilization of childbirth and post-natal services, a continually high fertility rate, which places pressure on social costs and slows the pace of development, poor utilization of modern contraceptive methods, as well as an alarming nutritional status, above all among children under five years of age and their mothers. 

The reader could also be alerted to the fact that certain population groups are particularly impacted by a high prevalence of anemia or HIV. Most of these indicators can be improved by increased awareness and heightened responsibility within a couple or among individuals. Without this, the State’s investments would have limited impact. This Survey also draws attention to indicators of an appreciable level that will require strengthening of sustained efforts to maintain, if not to improve, trends. This is particularly the case with regard to the high level of breastfeeding, prenatal visits, vaccination rates of children under five years of age (except for the city of Kigali), and the use of iodized salt. 

The results of EDSR-III 2005 are thus extremely important because they allow us to assess the progress made in meeting the challenges mentioned above. The results also make it possible to readjust intermediate objectives, identify areas requiring priority attention, and even make projections of future socio-demographic development. The same results represent a daunting challenge to entities providing development financing and call for integrated financing approaches involving multiple sectors of socioeconomic life. 

Accordingly, the Government of Rwanda and in particular the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning is pleased to provide reliable results to policymakers, planners, and other users in both the public and private sector, based on the current context of the country. May this document be a source of valuable and useful information to all those individuals and organizations active in development who will use it to contribute to an improved quality of life for Rwanda’s population.