US Survey: Nigeria Making Some Progress on Wellbeing of Citizens

Nigeria has made progress over the last five years in promoting the wellbeing of its citizens such as increased levels of breastfeeding and decreased incidence of malaria, according to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).

The survey however indicated that significant challenges have persisted, despite the recorded progress.

The 2018 NDHS results, released yesterday at a national seminar organised by the National Population Commission, highlighted the overall progress towards achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

It added that a few critical indicators have remained unchanged since the last survey in 2013.

“Despite some good news, the Survey also highlights many challenges Nigeria still faces,” said US Charge d’affaires Kathleen FitzGibbon.

“Properly harnessed, this data can help improve the health of families and communities throughout Nigeria”, the report stated.

The United States, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID),was said to have invested over $8 million of the Survey’s $13 million cost.

FitzGibbon said the US has invested in the quinquennial survey because data and evidence are the cornerstones of all successful development programs – especially in health.

“While indicators showing that two thirds of pregnant women received antenatal care, and 40 per cent of deliveries were assisted by a skilled provider, remains low by international standards, the uptick testifies that government efforts - especially funding of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund - are making progress in improving access to maternal health services.

The survey added that “Still, one in eight Nigerian children dies prior to its fifth birthday.

The survey showed a rate of 132 deaths per 1,000 live births in the five-year reporting period. UNICEF estimates that approximately a quarter of these deaths could be prevented through routine immunisation. More than one in three children remain stunted,” US report added.

“Data showed improvements on both child vaccination and breastfeeding: 31per cent of children under two received all eight vaccines of the basic package, up from 13 per cent in 2003, and nearly three in 10 children under six months are exclusively breastfed, up from 17 per cent during the last Survey. However, coverage of routine childhood vaccines remains lower than global benchmarks”.

The Survey also showed progress in the use of zinc supplements to treat diarrhoea, which rose to 31 per cent from a mere two per cent, while treatment was sought for two out of three children suffering the malady.

More women, according to the report, are accessing skilled health care for healthier pregnancies and births. Two-thirds of Nigerian women receive antenatal care from a doctor, nurse, or midwife, an increase from 57 per cent since the first Survey. Still, 59 per cent of births take place at home.

“61 per cent Nigerian households own at least one insecticide-treated net to prevent malaria, and 52 per cent of respondents said their children slept under one, significantly up from 17 per cent in 2013. Malaria prevalence declined from 42 per cent in 2010 to 23 per cent among children under five; suggesting government programs –managed in adherence with international treatment guidelines – are helping make Nigeria’s children and families stronger and healthier”.