NPC BEGINS CONDUCT OF 2023/2024 NIGERIA DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEY NATIONWIDE

The National Population Commission has commenced the conduct of the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) in all 36 States of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, who flagged off the launch in Abuja, explained that the NDHS, which is the eighth edition in Nigeria, "does not only aim to serve as a collection of statistics; rather, it represents a profound step to understanding the health landscape as well as providing the baseline against which performance can be measured."

Pate, represented by Mrs. Daju Kachollom, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, explained that the launch of the NDHS also symbolized the collective resolve to equip stakeholders with the knowledge necessary to craft targeted policies and interventions that will uplift the lives of Nigerians.

He said: "A comprehensive understanding of our demographic and health indicators is crucial in enhancing our economic development strategies. "Healthier citizens contribute significantly to a more productive workforce, thereby fostering economic growth.

"The NDHS will provide invaluable insights into healthcare needs, enabling us to allocate resources effectively and invest in initiatives that promote health and well-being, consequently fostering economic advancement.

"This survey is a testament to our commitment to leaving no one behind. By capturing data across diverse segments of society, including marginalized and vulnerable populations, the NDHS will illuminate disparities in healthcare access and utilization.

"This knowledge will enable us to implement inclusive policies that address the unique needs of every individual, ensuring that the benefits of our programmes reach all corners of our nation.

Today’s event is remarkable and a step forward in ensuring the 4-point agenda initiatives: effective governance; efficient, equitable and quality health system; unlocking value chains, health security initiatives of the current administration on health are achieved.”

Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra noted that the survey has been instrumental in providing invaluable insights that inform evidence-based policies, enhance public health interventions, and contribute to the broader development agenda of our nation.

Kwarra pointed out that for over three decades, the Commission has spearheaded the implementation of the NDHS, in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, and key partners, adding that the launch symbolizes the culmination of strategic planning, collaborative efforts, and unwavering commitment from all participating stakeholders.

Represented by the Federal Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State in the National Population Commission, Engr. Benedict Ukpong, the chairman noted that the participating stakeholders have elevated the survey from a research initiative to a cornerstone of dependable demographic and health metrics for Nigeria.

He continued, “Your esteemed presence here today further underscores a collective dedication to advancing the field of knowledge, policy formulation, and, crucially, the health landscape of our nation.

As we proceed on this collective journey, I would like to express gratitude to our esteemed partners and collaborators for their ongoing support of the survey.

I sincerely thank our partner agencies including the National Bureau of Statistics, and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and others, for their unwavering support and collaboration.

Special recognition to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for their support, specifically for providing primary funding for the survey, and for providing technical expertise through the ICF International.

We are also deeply thankful for the support received from notable and longstanding partners including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), The Global Fund, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, WHO and various others.

This support has been indispensable in bringing the survey to its present stage, and we sincerely appreciate your commitment to this cause.”

Director, Planning & Research Department and NPC Team Lead, 2023-24 NDHS, Hajia Bintu Ibrahim Abba, while making a presentation on the 2023/2024 NDHS objectives, methods and timeline stated that the survey will be conducted from December 2023 to April 2024. She further noted that 42,000 households will be interviewed by the Data Collectors in 1,400 clusters across all 36 States and the FCT.

She said that the NDHS will be conducted by fieldwork teams comprising of 1 team supervisor, 1 CAPI supervisor, 3 female interviewers, 2 male interviewers and 2 biomarkers technicians per State. ‘’At the central office, a team of data quality monitoring team will be responsible for supervising fieldwork teams and ensuring regular progress of data collection.

Anthropometry information will be collected from children aged 0 to 59 months and women aged 15 to 49 years. Also, hemoglobin testing for anemia data will be collected from children aged 6 to 59 months and from women aged 15 to 49 years.

Office Director, Health, Population and Nutrition, USAID Nigeria, Ms. Suni Kurian said that the main objective of DHS is to collect high-quality data for policy formulation, program planning, and monitoring and evaluation and that USAID will continue to provide support to Nigeria to realize this aim.

Other speakers such as representatives from UNICEF, WHO and other partners pledged their support for the successful conduct of the 8th NDHS in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, NDHS is a national sample survey that is conducted every 5 years with the last exercise conducted in 2018.