Chairman, National Population Commission, Hon Nasir Isa Kwarra believes that the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) would be a beacon of reliable, comprehensive, and actionable data, providing policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders with the insights necessary to make informed decisions, reports page3news.com.ng
He made the observation on Thursday in Akwanga, Nasarawa state, at the opening ceremony of Training of Interviewers for the 2023 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey scheduled to last for a month.
“Over the years, the NDHS has stood as a beacon of reliable, comprehensive, and actionable data, providing policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders with the insights necessary to make informed decisions. Every cycle of the NDHS brings with its own set of challenges, but also opportunities to redefine the narrative for health and social demographics in Nigeria.
As key players in this project, the huge responsibility that lies on your shoulders cannot be overemphasised and it is my belief that the experiences you have garnered from the census preparatory activities will be useful in the field. The success of the NDHS hinges on the quality, authenticity, and precision of the information you gather.
This training has been meticulously designed to equip you with the necessary tools, knowledge, and protocols that willl ensure that each interaction you have in the field is respectful, informed, and unbiased and also guarantee that the data generated are both accurate and insightful,” said Hon Nasir Isa Kwarra as he urged the participants “to be more than just present, be attentive to every detail, be inquisitive about the processes and aims, and be an active participant in discussions, exercises, and feedback sessions. Your intellectual curiosity and proactive involvement can make a positive difference in the successful execution of this very important phase of the 2023 NDHS project. Let’s embark on this journey together, each one of us playing a vital role in shaping a survey that has the potential to influence policy and improve lives.”
According to him, “Every household you visit, every individual you speak to, will be entrusting you with their data and it should be your solemn duty to ensure that these data are relayed with the utmost integrity and clarity.
The Commission extends our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, supporters, and advisors, whose continued commitment and expertise have been invaluable in making the NDHS a credible data generating survey. Special acknowledgment goes to Federal Ministry of Health for the strong collaboration towards the conduct of this survey.”
The National Bureau of Statistics, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and other MDAs were collaborative in the exercise, which the NPC chairman acknowledged and appreciated.
Also, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and ICF International were partners in the exercise as the NPC chairman expressed that their dedication, commitment, and resilience, especially in demanding times, will be crucial for the Commission being able to get accurate data from the field.
“Your role as interviewers is pivotal, and I have every confidence that you will uphold the values and standards the NDHS is renowned for.
Let me reiterate that the Commission attaches a lot of importance to the outcome of the 2023 NDHS in terms of complimenting the 2023 Census in the provision of data for development. Though the NDHS coverage is low, being a survey but it will generate more detailed data that will be useful for planning purposes especially in fertility, family planning, reproductive health etc. This detailed information will help the Commission in consolidating the achievements of the next census. The stakes are high; the information we gather and the insights we develop have the capability to influence health and social policies, not just for the immediate future, but for a long time to come. It’s not simply about numbers and data; it’s about human lives, about the well-being of our communities, and the future trajectory of our nation.”
While welcoming the NPC chairman and participants, the Federal Commissioner in the NPC representing Nasarawa state, His Excellency Silas Agara noted that the NDHS was the second huge programme in the state within two months.
He urged the participants to use the opportunity of the programme to visit places of interest and make new friends in the solid mineral state.