Cancels exercise in Borno councils over insecurity
National Population Commission (NPC) has launched the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) in Delta State and assigned 40 enumerators to collect data towards addressing health challenges faced by citizens.
Speaking at a press conference during the launch of the exercise in Asaba, the NPC Federal Commissioner, Chief Richard Odibo, said the enumerators were given three months to cover the state.
While commending the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for providing financial and technical supports for the exercise, Odibo, who spoke through his Director, Lotobi Patrick, said the enumerators were to get accurate data on fertility rate, maternal and child health, contraceptive use, childhood mortality, gender-related issues, nutrition, and HIV/AIDS awareness.
According to him, the exercise was also aimed at providing data that will facilitate evaluation needs of maternal and child health and family planning programmes, enabling evidence-based planning and resource allocation.
He added that the data would, among others, strengthen national capacities by using information gathered to identify demographic and health-related basic social needs, develop equitable growth strategies, address poverty and align with national development strategies.
He said: “The 2023/2024 NDHS is not just a survey; it is an instrument of transformations, a compass guiding us towards a future, where health disparities are reduced, where gender equality is promoted, and where every Nigerian can thrive.”
Odibo also applauded UNFPA, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Federal Ministry of Health, National Bureau of Statistics, and Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for their assistance in tackling health challenges.
MEANWHILE, the commission has exempted six councils from participating in the 2023/2024 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) in Borno State.
According to the commission, the decision to exempt the councils was taken due to insecurity in the areas.
Disclosing the development, yesterday, in Maiduguri, the NPC Chairman, Nasir Kwara, said: “Insecurity in Chibok, Magumeri, Mobbar, Marte, Guzamala and Abadam could prevent our staff and others from conducting NDHS in the state.”
Five of the councils, according to him, are located in the north, while Chibok is located in the south senatorial district.He added: “They are considered flashpoints that require a lot of security logistics to convey our staff there,” warning that the commission would not risk the life of any of its staff.
