The National Population Commission (NPC) has commenced the 2023–2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) in Niger State, which was aimed at improving health outcomes and custodians of a brighter future.
Addressing journalists during a news briefing at the Federal Secretariat office of the Commission in Minna on Thursday, the Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission in Niger State, Hon. Mohammad Dattijo Usman, stated that the support and cooperation of all stakeholders and non-governmental organisations (NGO) were required for the success of the survey.
The Federal Commissioner, who was represented at the news briefings by the State Director of the National Population Commission, Alhaji Nma Shehu, noted that the support, engagement, and collaboration received from relevant donor partners have been instrumental in bringing the commission to this point.
According to the federal commissioner, the success of the 2023–2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey will hinge significantly "on your continued commitment, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering dedication to this cause."
The National Population Commission, he explained, in collaboration with key partners, has diligently implemented the NDHS consistently, raising the bar for demographic and health data collection in Nigeria.
The launch of the survey at the state level, he explained, has reiterated the commission's commitment to upholding the same high standards of excellence and precision that have defined the NDHS over the years.
He enumerated the objectives of the 2023–2024 NDHS to include gathering high-quality data on a wide range of vital indicators, including fertility rates, maternal and child health, contraceptive use, childhood mortality, gender-related issues, nutrition, and HIV/AIDS.
Also, he said it included providing data supporting the evaluation needs of maternal and child health and family planning programmemes, enabling evidence-based planning and resource allocation, producing timely results, ensuring wide data dissemination, and informing programme managers and policymakers, among other objectives.
Speaking further, Alhaji Dattijo Usman noted that these objectives were not mere words on paper, "but they represent the path to a healthier, more prosperous Nigeria, a Nigeria that can address the unique needs of its citizens, promote gender equality, improve health outcomes, and reduce the burden of disease.".
While expressing his gratitude to some international donor agencies for their invaluable partnership, the NPC federal commissioner in Niger State appreciated the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Bureau of Statistics, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and other ministries, departments, and agencies for their support and their integral role in aligning the efforts with broader societal goals.