The DHS Program

CALVERTON, Maryland - Female genital cutting is on the decline in some areas, and practices are changing, according to a new report. Also known as female circumcision and female genital mutilation, female genital cutting (FGC) varies among ethnic groups and has been widely misunderstood, says the report.

Tanzania continues to battle high HIV infection rates, according to the new Tanzania AIDS Indicator Survey (THIS). Seven percent of adult men and women are infected with HIV. Nationwide, prevalence is higher in urban areas. The regions of Iringa and Mbeya have the highest prevalence rate at 13 percent.

Mothers and children in Madagascar have experienced a two-fold improvement in health in recent years. Breast feeding, use of family planning, vitamin A supplementation, and vaccination coverage are all on the rise, according to the latest MEASURE DHS survey released April 8 in Antananarivo.

Domestic violence has an obvious impact on the health and well being of the women being abused, but a new report also highlights important intergenerational effects of such violence: the children of abused women are also more likely to suffer health problems.