From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The National Populations Commission (NPC) in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other international agencies have launched the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) in Enugu State.
The Enugu State Director of NPC, Odinakachukwu Okolie, who flagged off the exercise in Enugu on Thursday said that the survey was designed to provide information on demographic and health status of the Nigerian population, adding that it holds simultaneously in all the states of the federation and Abuja.
She added that the survey has been instrumental in providing, “invaluable insights that inform evidence-based policies, enhance public health interventions and contribute to the broader development agenda for our nation.”
“The objective of the 2023-2024 NDHS projects is to provide up-to-date information on fertility levels, family planning, nutrition status of mother and young children, maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, adult and child mortality, domestic violence.”
She also revealed that women aged between 15 to 45 years, men aged between 15 to 59 years and children between five to 59 months will be interviewed in randomly selected households by a team of interviewers across selected local government areas in the state.
“The information on the demographic and health status of the population will be useful in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of intervention programmes in the health and social sector.
“The presence of all of us here signals our support, dedication and readiness to engage and commit towards having quality data from the survey.
“Notwithstanding all arrangements worked out by the commission, the cooperation and support of all stakeholders remains paramount for success to be achieved.”
She also called on all key stakeholders including the Enugu State government, local government chairmen, councillors, traditional rulers, and president generals of town unions for their support and collaboration.