Somali government needs accurate and reliable data for use in development of policy and planning that promote its ability and capacity to deliver universal access to health, education and other essential services.  The Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) renamed Somali Health and Demographic Survey (SHDS) for the Somali context will collect vast amount of data broadly covering demographic characteristics, fertility, health issues (maternal and child health; sexual and reproductive health and rights including family planning; and gender issues), and relevant socio-economic variables. This survey will assist the government to monitor indicators in the National Development Plan (2017-2019) especially quality basic education, health, water and sanitation services; improved health outcomes, reduced maternal and child mortality, reduction in malnutrition rates as well as prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

The survey will also promote the capacity building of the staff of government ministries of planning and health in the country, especially the staff of emerging Federal Member States and intends to fully utilize the personnel involved in PESS and further build their capacities in generating reliable statistics for Somalia. The successful implementation of the SHDS will largely depend on the establishment of close collaborative working partnerships between officials of ministries of Planning and Health from FGS and Federal Member States as well as other respective actors within the implementation structure.