Using national health and nutrition surveys for policy and programs: experiences from the demographic and health surveys.

National health and nutrition surveys have proved invaluable for policy and programs internationally, nationally and locally. With internationally comparable data, decisions can be made on trends and to monitor progress towards improving the nutritional status of women and children. In addition, the iterative process of survey and indicator development ensures that the use of the findings are fed back into the survey for improved design, data collection and measurements. Researchers, policy makers, program managers and surveyors work together for maternal child health.