NPC Kick-Starts Demographic, Health Survey In Nasarawa
In line with its constitutional role to provide quality data needed for development in the country, the National Population Commission (NPC) is set to commence the 2023/2023 National Demographic and Health Survey (2023-24 NDHS).
The NDHS which is carried out by the NPC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and with support from development partners such as USAID, UNFPA, UNICEF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will hold between December 2023 and April 2024.
Speaking to the press today (Wednesday December 20, 2023) the NPC Federal Commissioner representing Nasarawa State, Hon. Silas Agara, emphasized that the National Demographic and Health Survey is different from the population census with the primary interests being baseline demographic and health data such as fertility rates, maternal and child health, contraceptive use, nutrition and others.
He disclosed that in Nasarawa State, the survey is going to be carried out in 36 clusters in the 13 Local Government Areas of the State calling on the general public to provide the necessary cooperation.
He said: “Our staff that will be carrying out the survey will be properly kitted with the adequate means of identification. We plead with the general public that when you see them, don’t take them to be intruders. They are part of us. They are from the National Population Commission and they are carrying out a national assignment.”
On how the data gotten from the survey will be used, Hon. Silas Agara said it will be made available to both government and non-governmental institutions such as the Ministries of Health and Women Affairs and also development partners. According to him, it is such data that guides the planning and execution of programs and interventions by these institutions.
The National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) is part of the Global DHS program funded by USAID and implemented by ICF. It was previously conducted in Nigeria in the years 1999, 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018.
