PBA Reporter
A Survey on the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey and National Immunization Coverage Survey indicates that child mortality decreased from 1 in 8 children dying before their 5th birthday to 1 in 10 children.
The report also shows tremendous improvement in exclusive breastfeeding and immunisation.
The 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey and National Immunization Coverage Survey Report was carried out by the National Bureau of Statistics in collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners.
According to the Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer, National Bureau of Statistics, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, the report would provide data in areas such as child mortality, health, nutrition, education, child and social protection as well as water and Sanitation, women’ health care and empowerment.
He also said the survey would also serve as a major source of data for assessing the implementation of the sustainable development goals, SDGs, maintaing out with over 20 percent of the indicators required for the tracking of the goals being sourced from the exercise.
Prince Adeyemi explained that the report was the 6th in the series since 1999 with over 200 indicators for calculation.
According to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Matthias Schmale, who pointed out that it was not yet Uhuru, however commended the development partners for the success recorded despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Schmale who was represented by the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins said exclusive breastfeeding increased from 24 to 34 percent, with nearly 60 percent of Nigerian children now registered at birth with civil authorities, compared to 47 percent in 2016.
‘’in addition child marriage (women married before age 18) has reduced from 44 percent to 30 percent since 2016’’
Launching the Report, the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo represented by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Mrs. Zainab Ahmed said the federal Government would continue to give priority to all sectors of the economy especially in health and education.
Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba urged Governments at state and National levels to use the report in the formulation of policies and programmes for the benefit of the people.
The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib thanked health care workers for their dedication who despite the pandemic continued to provide services to Nigerians.
Dr. Shuaib stressed the need for Government to address the issue of inadequate human resources in the health sector.
Follow Us