NPC BEGINS 2023 NIGERIA DEMOGRAPHIC HEALTH SURVEY IN ANAMBRA STATE.

REPORTER:NDU NWANNAH

The National Population Commission (NPC) has commenced the collation of data for the 2023 – 24 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) in Anambra State.

In a press briefing to officially commence the exercise in Awka, the Federal Commissioner Representing Anambra State in the Commission, Chief Chidi Ezeoke, explained that the survey had contribued positively to the nation’s development.

The NPC has been conducting the NDHS for over 30 years in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and key partners.

The data, which would be generated from women between 15 and 49 years and men between 15 and 59 years on health issues are to be deployed in planning health and other demographic indices in the country.

Chief Ezeoke, who was represented by the Anambra State Director of NPC, Dr. Joachim Ulasi, said apart from enhancing public health interventions, the survey had become a reliable platform for accessing accurate demographic and health metrics in the country.

He expressed appreciations to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Ministry of Women Affairs, USAID, UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO and other partners for their support towards ensuring the actualization of the survey over the years.

Chief Ezeoke announced that the survey would be carried out in 38 select clusters in 20 of the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

In a speech, the State Director of the NPC, Dr. Joachim Ulasi, stressed that the respondents were expected to provide answers to mortality, immunization, HIV, fertility, family planning, COVID and other health related issues.

In a presentation, the South East Coordinator of the NDHS, Mr. Oliver Mezue, noted that the survey would capture 42,000 households across 1,400 clusters in the country to enhance the delivery of efficient healthcare services to the citizens.

One of the participants and Deputy Chairman of Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Mr. Aloysius Anufogu, called for the involvement of community leaders to help in deepening the survey at the grassroots.

The survey, which started at Enu- Ifite, Awka in Awka South on December 7, 2023, will end on April 21, 2024 at Oba Enu and Oba Ani in Idemili South Local Government Area.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU