The purpose of the Pan Arab Project for Child Development (PAPCHILD) survey program, conducted by the League of Arab States, was to collect information on reproductive and child health in the Arab states using retrospective, nationally representative, household sample surveys. The program was also intended to improve the capabilities of organizations dealing with population and family health and to increase awareness of issues related to child health and development. The program was supported by the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AGFUND), UNFPA, WHO, UNICEF, UNSTAT and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).