The SNNPR has an estimated total population of 18.4 million, which makes it the third most populous region in Ethiopia. The estimated population density is 141 people/km2 but there are great variations across the region. The health indicators in the Region are among the lowest in the country and according to the Ethiopia Demographic and Health survey (EDHS) 2011, neonatal, infant and U5MR are 38, 78 and 116 per 1,000 live births, respectively.