NPC’s 2024 demographic and health survey report reveals persistent gaps
Omeiza Bilal
The National Population Commission (NPC) has launched the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) Report, revealing measurable progress in key health indicators alongside persistent challenges requiring urgent attention.
The launch event, held at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare office in Abuja, Friday was attended by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Chairman of NPC, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra and representatives from UNICEF Nigeria, World Health Organization (WHO), UNFPA Nigeria, World Bank, The Global Fund, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and other development partners.
Speaking at the launch event, NPC Chairman Hon. Kwarra described the NDHS as “a national mirror that reflects how far we have come in improving the health and well-being of Nigerians.” He noted that the survey is vital to understanding population dynamics, fertility rates, nutrition, malaria prevalence, HIV indicators, and maternal and child health trends across the country.
He said that the NDHS is Nigeria’s foremost nationwide demographic assessment, conducted every five years since 1990 to provide reliable data for national planning and monitoring of health policies.
The 2023–24 edition, Hon. Kwarra said, was implemented by the National Population Commission with oversight from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and technical support from ICF under The DHS Programme.
According to him, data were collected from over 40,000 households across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, ensuring that the findings accurately reflect both national and sub-national realities.
