The main mandate of the Population and Demography branch is to produce Population, Health, Demographic and Social Statistics data for utilization in planning by various end-users. The branch takes technical lead in the coordination and implementation of health related surveys such as the Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS), Zambia Population based HIV Impact Assessment Survey (ZAMPHIA). 

The branch also produces vital statistics based on data from the Civil Registration System which registers births and deaths occurring in the population during a specified time.

It also produces Migration statistics. The Migration profile of the country provides statistics on international migration, tourism and refugees.

The ZDHS  is designed to provide up-to-date information on health indicators, including fertility levels, nuptiality, sexual activity, fertility preferences, awareness and use of family planning methods, breastfeeding practices, nutritional status of children, early childhood and maternal mortality, maternal and child health, awareness and behaviours regarding HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, prevalence of HIV, domestic and gender based violence and birth registration and certification. It is implemented every 4 to 5 years in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, USAID, ICF and other cooperating partners.  The ZDHS was last conducted in 2018, with subsequent surveys conducted in 1992, 1996, 2001-02, 2007 and 2013-14.