National Population Commission(NPC), is set to commence the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey(NDHS) in the 17 Local Governments of Plateau State.
This was conveyed in a press briefing by the State Director, Mrs.Felicia James Mwolpun in Jos, recently at the state headquarters of the commission.
She added that the National Survey Programme was launched last year December 2023 and the programme commenced December 11,2023 to end April 11,2024.
While in Plateau State, the survey would be conducted in 39 selected clusters(Household in each of the selected clusters) across the 17 LGAs through a questionnaire by a survey team,consisting of 13 persons who are already on the field working.
Mwolpun maintained that the NDHS is a key project aimed at advancing the field of knowledge, policy formulation and the health sector of our nation.
According to her, findings from the survey would provide an insight on the current status of demographic and health indicators across states, regional and national levels, upon which informed plans and policies could be designed to address demographic, health and social challenges facing Nigeria.
She pointed out that for over three decades, the commission has spearheaded the implementation of the NDHS in a close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health.
Mwolpun in her assertion stated that among objectives of the 2023/2024 NDHS is to collect high-quality data on fertility levels,awareness and the use of family planning method, maternal and child health, childhood mortality, child immunisation, breastfeeding and young child feeding practices, nutritional status of women and children.
However, the survey would also gather information on women empowerment,domestic violence, female genital mutilation, fistula, prevalence of malaria, awareness and behaviour regarding HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including other health related issues such as disability, tobacco use, tuberculosis.
“The survey has been instrumental in providing invaluable insight that informs evidence-based policies, public intervention and contributes to the broader development agenda of the country.
The survey has also been elevated from research initiative to a cornerstone of a dependable demographic and health metrics”
The state director while in a chat with journalists has assured citizens that the data collected would be in strict confidentiality and would be more than mere figures and letters, but a true reflection of our demographic and health status.
She called on citizens to cooperate with their field staff as the commission works towards a successful project in Plateau State.
