By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The National Population Commission, NPC, has flagged off the 2023-24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, NDHS, in Benue state with an assurance to sustain the high standards of excellence and precision that defined the NDHS over the years.

Briefing the media at the official launch Wednesday in Makurdi, the NPC Federal Commissioner for Benue State, Mrs. Patricia Kupchi said the exercise would be conducted in 19 out of the 23 Local Government Areas, LGAs, of the state.

Represented by the NPC State Director, Mr. Christopher Nege, the Federal Commissioner informed that the exercise was part of the constitutional responsibilities of the Commission and appealed for the cooperation of all including the media to ensure its success saying “the success of the 2023-24 NDHS hinges significantly on your continued commitment, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering dedication to this cause.”

Mrs. Kupchi noted that “for over three decades, the National Population Commission, in collaboration with key partners, has diligently implemented the NDHS, consistently raising the bar for demographic and health data collection in Nigeria.

“Today, as we launch this survey in Benue state, we reiterate our commitment to upholding the same high standards of excellence and precision that have defined the NDHS over the years.”

She explained that the overall goal of the exercise “is to gather high-quality data on a wide range of vital indicators, including fertility rates, maternal and child health, contraceptive use, childhood mortality, gender-related issues, nutrition, HIV/AIDS awareness, and more. To provide data supporting evaluation needs of maternal and child health and family planning programs, enabling evidence-based planning and resource allocation.

“Also, to produce timely results and ensure wide data dissemination, informing program managers and policymakers. To strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for data collection, analysis, and utilization, enhancing national ownership of the process.

“And to strengthen national capacities by using collected data to identify demographic and health-related basic social needs, develop equitable growth strategies, address social poverty, and align with national development strategies.”

The Federal Commissioner said the objectives of the NDHS represents, “the path to a healthier, more prosperous Nigeria. A Nigeria that can address the unique needs of its citizens, promote gender equality, improve health outcomes, and reduce the burden of disease.”

She commended all the local and international partners as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, for supporting the exercise to ensure its success, informing that “the data we collect, analyze, and utilize are not mere statistics; they represent the health, aspirations, and challenges of our people.

“So let this launch be a clarion call for us all, to come together and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. The 2023-24 NDHS is not just a survey; it is an instrument of transformation, a compass guiding us towards a future where health disparities are reduced, where gender equity is promoted, and where every Nigerian can thrive.”

She assured that all measures had been put in place to ensure the security of lives of all the officials that were undertaking the exercise across the selected LGAs in order to avert any ontoward development.

The NDHS Coordinator for Benue State, Sheena Ojobi explained that the NDHS, a household based survey “is the highest survey conducted by the NPC after the Population and Housing Census.”

She noted that 1,845 households from selected clusters would be interviewed via different questionnaires for men from the ages of 15 to 59 years and women from the ages of 15 to 49 years.

Mrs. Ojobi said the exercise which had already started with the interview aspect would end in April 2024.

Also, the Head of Department, HOD, Vital Registration, Mr. Ben Imande appealed to the people of the state to cooperate with NPC officials as they undertake the national assignment “which was started in 1999 and conducted every five years.”

The 19 LGAs where the exercise would be conducted includes: Makurdi, Gboko, Logo, Ukum, Katsina Ala, Ushongo, Vandeikya, Buruku, Konshisha, Kwande, Gwer East, Guma, Oju, Obi, Ogbadibo, Okpolwu, Otukpo, Apa and Ado.