By Paul Obi
Notwithstanding modern technology in birth delivery, a new National
Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted by the National
Population Commission (NPC) has revealed that about 63 per cent of
births in the country occurred at home.
The survey was conducted among men and women from 15-49 years in 38,522 selected households in the country in 2013.
The demographic data also indicated that 36 per cent of births occurred
in health facilities while less than 40 per cent of births in the
country are assisted by skilled providers.
According to the report the percentage of women giving birth at health
facilities and women receiving delivery assistance medically has not
improved since 2003.
Speaking at the launch of the NDHS on Monday in Abuja, the Chairman,
National Population Commission (NPC), Chief Eze Duruiheoma, stated that
the survey has shown that more has to be done at the three tiers of
government to ensure the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs)
Duruiheoma told the gathering that "we all need to partner government
at all levels to ensure that our aspirations as a nation are met."
He also stated that the information contained in the report will assist
policymakers and programme managers in monitoring and designing
programmes and strategies for improving health and family services in
the country.
Meanwhile, the survey showed a decline in childhood deaths and an improvement in malaria prevention around the country.
Part of the report indicated that the 2013 mortality rate for children
younger than five was 128 deaths per 1,000 live births. The 2013
mortality level for children under five also fell from one in five in
2003 to one in every eight in 2013.
Source
