Publications

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is efficiently transmitted through blood transfusions. The probability of becoming infected through a transfusion of blood tainted with HIV is estimated at over 90%. In contrast, risk through a single act of sexual intercourse ranges from a few percent to less than one percent. And the dose of HIV in a single blood transfusion is so large that an adult infected in this way may quickly develop AIDS - on average within three to five years (two years in children). Blood transfusions save millions of lives each year, but in places where a safe blood supply is not guaranteed, those receiving transfused blood have an increased risk of being infected with HIV.

The 1996 Nepal Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a nationally representative survey of 8,429 evermarried women age 15-49. The survey is the fifth in a series of demographic and health surveys conducted in Nepal since 1976. The main purpose of the NFHS was to provide detailed information on fertility, family planning, infant and child mortality, and matemal and child health and nutrition. In addition, the NFHS included a series of questions on knowledge of AIDS.

The Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) was fielded on a national basis between the months of December 1990 and May 1991. The survey was carried out by the National Institute of Population Studies with the objective of assisting the Ministry of Population Welfare to evaluate the Population Welfare Programme and maternal and child health services. The PDHS is the latest in a series of surveys, making it possible to evaluate changes in the demographic status of the population and in health conditions nationwide. Earlier surveys include the Pakistan Contraceptive Prevalence Survey of 1984-85 and the Pakistan Fertility Survey of 1975.

Sri Lanka, an island nation earlier known as Ceylon, has a recorded history that stretches back about 2500 years. Since the 15th century, the country experienced several foreign invasions and was ruled in succession by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British until 1948 when independence was finally gained.

The Thai Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) was a nationally representative sample survey conducted from March through June 1988 to collect data on fertility, family planning, and child and maternal health. A total of 9,045 households and 6,775 ever-married women aged 15 to 49 were interviewed. The results indicate that the longer term decline in fertility that started two decades ago has been continuing during recent years.