The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced the commencement of data collection for the 2023-2024 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), revealing that the survey will run until Sunday April 21, 2024.
ANN reports that the Federal Commissioner of NPC representing Anambra State, Mr. Chidi Ezeoke, made this disclosure during the launch and press briefing of the exercise in Awka.
The NDHS, conducted every five years, serves as a vital national sample survey, offering current and high-quality demographic and health data for policy planning in population, health, and nutrition programme.
Represented by Dr. Joachin Ulasi, the State Director of NPC, Mr. Ezeoke clarified that the survey will cover 20 local governments in Anambra State, excluding Ayamelum where a Verbal and Social Autopy (VASA) survey was conducted in 2018.
He said that with data collection will take place in 38 clusters across these 38 localities in the selected local government areas.
Emphasizing the significance of the survey, Mr. Ezeoke highlighted its role in shaping evidence-based policies, improving public health interventions, and contributing to the state’s overall development agenda.
Expressing gratitude to partners such as the National Bureau of Statistics, United States Agency International Development, (USAID) and others for their support, Mr. Ezeoke commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for backing the 2023 NDHS.
He assured that the collected data would not be mere numerical values but would reflect the health, aspirations, and challenges of the communities involved.
Additionally, he urged local leaders and stakeholders to enhance awareness in the survey areas and create a conducive environment for its successful implementation.
