NDHS sets to conduct dependable data in Cross River
2023-24: The National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) says it’s ready to conduct dependable data in Cross River State with the main aim of providing valuable data on the health and population of the country.
This was declared by Mr. Stanley Itam, the Cross River State Director of the National Population Commission (NPC), during a press briefing held in Calabar on Friday.
During the one-day media briefing, Mr. Itam underscored the essence of the survey in monitoring population and health situations in Nigeria.
Mr. Itam asserted that the National Population Commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and other key stakeholders, is working together to conduct this survey, which will make the population’s work easier.
“The exercise at Akwanga with the framework for the exercise which is the training of mappers, listers, and the interviewers,” said Mr. Itam, while explaining the logistics of the survey.
He went on to outline the objectives of the NDHS, which range from gathering high-quality data on vital indicators to providing support and evaluation needs for child health and family planning programs.
The survey aims to produce timely results, ensuring wide data dissemination to inform program managers and policymakers.
Similarly, the NDHS is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for data collection, analysis, and utilization, to enhance national ownership of the process.
It also aims to identify demographic and health-related needs, develop growth strategies, address social poverty, and align with national development.
During an interactive session, Mrs. Agu Glory, a team supervisor of the program, stressed that the survey is a sample type of survey that will be conducted in 16 out of 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Cross River State.
The NDHS started the sample exercise process last year 2023 with the Calabar South local government area.
This sample exercise program will provide valuable insights into the health and population dynamics of the state.
The NDHS will cover a wide range of indicators, including fertility rates, maternal and child health, contraceptive use, childhood mortality, gender-based issues, nutrition, and HIV/AIDS awareness.
It will be a comprehensive
assessment that will provide policymakers and program managers with the necessary information to make informed decisions.
The survey’s results will enable evidence-based planning and resource allocation, ensuring that healthcare programs and interventions can be tailored to specific needs.
It will empower policymakers to develop strategies and policies that address the unique challenges faced by different regions and populations within the country.
The importance of the NDHS cannot be stretched, as accurate and up-to-date data is vital for effective healthcare planning and implementation.
It allows for targeted interventions that address the specific needs and concerns of different groups within the population.
In conclusion, the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) is set to play a crucial role in providing valuable data for health and population monitoring in Nigeria.
This comprehensive survey will cover a wide range of indicators and aims to strengthen the country’s capacity for data collection, analysis, and utilization.
The results of the NDHS will be instrumental in guiding policymakers and program managers in making informed decisions to improve healthcare and address the unique challenges faced by different regions and populations within the country.
Through this survey, Nigeria is on its way to enhancing national ownership of the data collection process and ensuring evidence-based planning for improved health outcomes.