Percy Onyeka
Coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate has noted that by capturing data across diverse segments of society, including marginalized and vulnerable populations, the Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) would illuminate disparities in healthcare access and utilization.
Pate, who stated this in Abuja on Wednesday at the flag-off of the 2023-24 NDHS, said the survey would enable the health sector to implement inclusive policies that address the unique needs of every individual and ensuring that the benefits reach all corners of our nation.
He added that the NDHS would provide invaluable insights into healthcare needs, enabling us to allocate resources effectively and invest in initiatives that promote health and well-being, consequently fostering economic advancement, adding that the survey is a testament to our commitment to leaving no one behind.
Represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry of health, Daju Kachollom, the minister said the implementation of the NDHS as launched today would serve as a useful tool to actualize the overall goal on health and monitor the progress made on improving the health outcome of the population through providing reliable and quality data on health indices.
He continued, “This eighth edition of the NDHS does not only aim to serve as a collection of statistics; rather, it represents a profound step to understanding the health landscape as well as providing the baseline against which we can measure our performance.
It symbolizes our collective resolve to equip ourselves with the knowledge necessary to craft targeted policies and interventions that will uplift the lives of our people.
A comprehensive understanding of our demographic and health indicators is crucial in enhancing our economic development strategies.
Healthier citizens contribute significantly to a more productive workforce, thereby fostering economic growth.
Today’s event is remarkable and a step forward in ensuring the 4-points agenda initiatives: effective governance; efficient, equitable and quality health system; unlocking value chains, health security initiatives of the current administration on health are achieved.”
Earlier in a welcome address, the chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon Nasir Isa Kwarra had noted that the survey has been instrumental in providing invaluable insights that inform evidence-based policies, enhance public health interventions, and contribute to the broader development agenda of our nation.
Kwarra pointed out that for over three decades, the commission has spearheaded the implementation of the NDHS, in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, and key partners, adding that the launch symbolizes the culmination of strategic planning, collaborative efforts, and unwavering commitment from all participating stakeholders.
Represented by the federal commissioner representing Akwa Ibom state in the commission, Engr Benedict Ukpong, the chairman noted that the participating stakeholders have elevated the survey from a research initiative to a cornerstone of dependable demographic and health metrics for Nigeria.
He continued, “Your esteemed presence here today further underscores a collective dedication to advancing the field of knowledge, policy formulation, and, crucially, the health landscape of our nation.
As we proceed on this collective journey, I would like to express gratitude to our esteemed partners and collaborators for their ongoing support to the survey.
I sincerely thank our partner agencies including the National Bureau of Statistics, and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and others, for their unwavering support and collaboration.
Special recognition to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for their support, specifically for providing primary funding for the survey, and for providing technical expertise through the ICF International.
We are also deeply thankful for the support received from notable and longstanding partners including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), The Global Fund, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, WHO and various others.
This support has been indispensable in bringing the survey to its present stage, and we sincerely appreciate your commitment to this cause.”
DAVID ADUGE-ANI, ABUJA
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