The National Population Commission (NPC) flagged off the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) on Thursday in Akwa Ibom State as part of the preparations for the upcoming population and housing census.
The survey will cover 25 local government areas in the state, involving 39 clusters and 14,000 households, with a particular focus on the health issues of women and children.
Nasir Isa Kwarra, the Chairman of NPC, assured Nigerians of a credible, reliable, and acceptable population census during the flag-off event.
Kwarra, represented by the Honourable Federal Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State, Chief Benedict Ukpong, stated that the remodelled building was in steady preparation for the exercise.
The focus of the 2023-2024 NDHS, according to Chief Benedict Ukpong, is to gather high-quality data on various vital indicators, including fertility rates, maternal and child health, contraceptive use, childhood mortality, gender-related issues, nutrition, HIV/AIDS awareness, and more.
According to him, “As you are aware, the commission is still carrying out the preparation for the next census. In this regard, we will leave no stone unturned to make sure that all corresponding facilities, including a habitable and good working environment, are delivered to ensure the constitutional mandate of the Commission is fulfilled, amongst which is the effective delivery of the next population and housing census, which will be credible, reliable and acceptable.
Addressing the focus of the survey, the Honourable Federal Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Chief Benedict Ukpong, who was represented by the State Director, highlighted one of the key objectives of the 2023-24 NDHS.
He emphasised the importance of gathering high-quality data across a broad spectrum of vital indicators, including fertility rates, maternal and child health, contraceptive use, childhood mortality, gender-related issues, nutrition, HIV/AIDS awareness, and more.
Ukpong, represented by the State Director, further explained that the survey aims to provide data to support the evaluation needs of maternal and child health, as well as family planning programs. This data will be crucial for evidence-based planning and resource allocation.
Mrs. Helen Amakwe, the NDHS State Coordinator, provided additional insights into the exercise, noting that it is conducted every five years and the current iteration is the eighth in the series in Nigeria.
She clarified that NDHS is a semi-census programme carried out in all 36 states of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
