While pledging support for the successful conduct of the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, the World Health Organisation, WHO Country Representative, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo Wednesday urged the National Population Commission, NPC, to ensure quality data collection, reports page3news.com.ng
Dr Walter, a longstanding and well-respected WHO international expert, made the remark at national launch of the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey in Abuja.
“Lots of expectations on reliable data would determine the success of the Nigeria demographic and health survey,” Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo said in his goodwill message.
Page3news.com.ng reports that the Cordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, noted that NDHS 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 we can measure our performance. It symbolizes our collective resolve to equip ourselves with the knowledge necessary to craft targeted policies and interventions that will uplift the lives of our people.”
Before flagging off the NDHS, the elated Pate said, “I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the concerted efforts of the National Population Commission and officers of the Federal Ministry of Health in preparing for this survey.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our nation’s journey towards progress and development as we gather to flag off the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), a crucial endeavor that encapsulates the essence of our commitment to the well-being of every Nigerian citizen.
“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 programs reach all corners of our nation.
“Today’s event is remarkable and a step forward in ensuring the 4-points agenda initiatives: effective governance; efficient, equitable and quality health system; unlocking value chains, health security initiatives of the current administration on health are achieved. The implementation of the NDHS as launched today will serve as a useful tool to actualize the overall goal on health and monitor the progress made on improving the health outcome of the population through providing reliable and quality data on health indices.”
He was however appreciative of agency donors for committing and mobilizing resources for the process, and was particular about WHO and other development partners for their commitment and support to the process at all levels.
Chairman, National Population Commission, Nasir Isa Kwarra, while welcoming stakeholders, was confident that the data gather will guide the Commission toward a healthier and more prosperous future. He was represented by Chief (Engr) Benedict Ukpong, a Federal Commissioner representing Cross River State at the Commission.
“This moment symbolizes the culmination of strategic planning, collaborative efforts, and unwavering commitment from all participating stakeholders. 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.
He pointed out that the Commission for over three decades, has spearheaded the implementation of the NDHS, in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, and key partners.
“This 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. Together, we have elevated this survey from a research initiative to a cornerstone of dependable demographic and health metrics for Nigeria.”
Forty-two thousand (42,000) selected households within a cluster will be visited during the field work, information will be obtained about the household using the Household Questionnaire. Women age 15-49 years will be interviewed using the individual Woman’s Questionnaire. Men age 15-59 years will be interviewed using the individual Man’s Questionnaire.