Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey ongoing in Oyo State — NPC
By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
The National Population Commission (NPC) says 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) is ongoing in Oyo State.
The NPC Federal Commissioner, Oyo State, Dr Eyitayo Oyetunji, said NPC had over three decades spearheaded the implementation of the NDHS in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and key partners.
Oyetunji, who was represented by Mr Akin Oyetunde, the NPC Oyo State Director, disclosed this at a news briefing in Ibadan.
The commissioner emphasised that the data collected and analysed would not merely be numerical values; they would represent the health, aspirations and challenges of communities.
He also thanked the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Global Fund, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF and WHO for their contributions.
“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.
“I express my gratitude for your commitment and dedication to this cause.
“Together, we are setting the stage for positive change and I am confident that the data we gather will guide us toward a healthier and more prosperous future,” Oyetunji said.
For his part, the South-West Zonal Coordinator, NDHS 2023/2024, Mr Rotimi Ilelaboye, said that the survey comes up every five years.
He explained that the last one was in 2018, and the one being conducted is the 8th edition of the exercise.
“The objective of this exercise is to update, to gather information about the population and the health situation in the country.
“This health situation is about indicators like reproduction, Malaria, Female Genital Mutilation, HIV and others.
“That is what we are trying to gather information on and at the end of the day when we have gathered the information, it will be useful for the government to plan for the health sector,” Ilelaboye said.
In her goodwill message, the State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mrs Olukemi Afolayan, said that globally, NDHS is very important for national development.
“The survey is important for women’s health, children and men’s health.
“To have good national planning on health, we must have correct data.
“I want to commend NPC and I want to plead with gentlemen of the press and other stakeholders to please support NPC in this exercise,” Afolayan said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
