The major purposes of the survey were to (i) undertake a situation analysis on the status of rural water supply and sanitation including the levels of service coverage and other relevant information such as perception of water quality and water use practices of the population, and (ii) formulate an effective strategy to achieve universal coverage of both water supply and sanitation that would have a substantial impact on the health situation of children leading to a demographic transition. The survey also looked into the prevalence of water- and excreta-related diseases in the family by age and sex. The types of diseases were diarrhea (watery and dysentery), typhoid/paratyphoid, hepatitis, worm infection, and skin diseases.

On a competitive bid, Mitra and Associates was awarded the survey contract by UNICEF, Dhaka.