2013 NDHS To Gulp N796m

The 2013 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) will gulp a total of N796 million.

This was made known during a press briefing by the Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State, Rev Wokoma C. Wokoma at the National Population Commission office in Port Harcourt.

The commissioner said that out of the stipulated sum, the country’s development partners donated N693 million, while Nigeria provided N103 million.

Rev. Wokoma, who said that the press briefing marked the commencement of 2013 NDHS, noted that the exercise would cover 40680 scientifically selected households in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the commissioner, “in Rivers State, 24 clusters will be covered, and in each cluster, 45 households will be visited. Out of the 23 LGAs in the state, only 15 LGAs were randomly selected using scientific sampling method. Bayelsa is 23 clusters.”

He reiterated that the conduct of 2013 NDHS would contribute positively to the transformation agenda of president Goodluck Jonathan, as it relates to healthcare service delivery and human capital development.

“As Nigeria strives to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), there are lingering social and health challenges. The 2013 NDHS will provide the necessary data that will aid evidence based programmes to combat these challenges,” he said.

He said the survey, which is conducted every five years, will provide information on level of fertility, family planning method, maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, among others.

The commissioner called on the state government, local government chairmen, traditional rulers and the pubic to co-operate with trained NDHS interviewers by answering the questions correctly.

Also speaking, his Bayesla counterpart, Dr. Austen Pabor said the exercise is important as it would form the basis of what will aid the leaders to plan adequately for the country and the states.

Dr Pabor urged the media to do all within her reach to sensitise the people, to enable them co-operate with the field workers.