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

In a Press briefing to officially announce commencement of the exercise in Awka, the Federal Commissioner representing Anambra State in the Commission, Chief Chidi Ezeoke, explained that the survey had contributed positively to the nation’s development.

Chief Ezeoke who was represented by the Anambra State Director of NPC, Doctor Joachim Ulasi said “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 within 15 to 49 and men between 15 and 59 years on health issues are to be deployed in planning health and other demographic indices in the country”.

He maintained that apart from enhancing public health interventions, the survey had become a reliable platform for accessing accurate demographic and health metrics in the country.

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

Chief Ezeoke announced that the survey would be carried out in 38 selected clusters in 20 of the 21 Local Government Areas of the state. He 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 NDHS, Mr Oliver Mezue said 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 Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Mr Aloysius Anufogu, called on 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 in April 21, 2024 at Oba Enu and Oba Ani in Idemili South Local Government Area.