By Amos Aar
THE NATIONAL Population Commission (NPC) has flagged off 2023-24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) in Benue State.
The Federal Commissioner representing Benue State, Patricia Kupchi, who briefed journalists Wednesday in Makurdi said, the survey is being conducted in 18 local government areas, namely: Makurdi, Gboko, Logo, Ukum, Katsina Ala, Ushongo, Vandeikya, Buruku, Konshisha, Kwande, Gwer East, Guma, Oju, Obi, Ogbadibo, Okpokwu, Otukpo, Apa and Ado.
Represented by the state director of the commission, Mr Christopher Nege, the federal commissioner stated that the 2023-24 NDHS is aimed at gathering high-quality data on a wide range of vital indicators, including fertility rate, maternal and child health, contraceptive use, childhood mortality, gender-related issues, nutrition, HIV/AIDS awareness, among others.
According to him, it will also provide data to support evaluation needs of maternal and child health and family planning programs, enabling evidence-based planning and resource allocation.
She added that the data will strengthen national capacities by using collected data to identify demographic and health-related basic social needs, develop equitable growth strategies, address social poverty, and align with national development strategies.
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Other objectives of the 2023-204 NDHS, Kupchi said, include “to produce timely results and ensure wide data dissemination, informing program managers and policymakers.
“Strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for data collection, analysis, and utilization, enhancing national ownership of the process”.
She disclosed that for over three decades, the NPC in collaboration with key partners, has diligently implemented the NDHS, raising the bar for demographic and health data collection in Nigeria and reiterated the commitment of the commission towards upholding the same high standards of excellence and precision that have defined the NDHS over the years.
Kupchi expressed gratitude to NPC’s partners such as the Federal Ministry of Health, National Bureau of Statistics, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and other ministries, departments, and agencies for their integral role in aligning their efforts with the broader societal goals, noting that “the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided both financial and technical support that has been instrumental in getting us to this point”.
She also appreciated notable partners such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Global Fund, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF and World Health Organisation (WHO).
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While acknowledging the importance of partners in the communication industry, both at the national and state levels, in the successful execution of the project, the commissioner said the media support, engagement, and collaboration have been instrumental in the success recorded so far and requested for sustenance.
“The success of the 2023-24 NDHS hinges significantly on your continued commitment, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering dedication to this cause. With your continued support and dedication, the NPC will navigate the complexities of data collection and analysis, and emerge with insights that would shape policies, drive progress, and improve lives,” Kupchi appreciated the media.
