The National Population Commission has commenced a nationwide demographic and health survey.
About 40,680 households randomly selected will be involved in the survey, which will last for four months.
The Chairman of the NPC, Dr. Festus Odimegwu, who gave the indication in Abuja on Friday, said it would facilitate the collection of detailed and current information for planning purposes.
He spoke through the commission’s Technical Management Team/Enugu State representative, Dr. Festus Uzor, who represented him at the survey inauguration ceremony.
He said, “It provides detailed information on the levels and trends of fertility, family planning, maternal and child health and STIs/AIDS in the country.
“The survey, which is part of a world-wide programme, is conducted every five years. The NDHS was conducted in Nigeria in 1990, 1999, 2003 and 2008.”
According to him, the 2013 NDSH will be conducted in 40,680 households scientifically selected in all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the 40,680 households randomly selected were targeted this year with interviews to be conducted on adult men and women.
The chairman said the survey would also start simultaneously in Lagos State, representing South-West; Imo State, representing South-East; A/Ibom, representing South-South; Nasarawa/FCT, representing North-Central; Gombe, representing North-East and Jigawa, representing North-West.
Odimegwu added that only women within the age bracket of 15-49 years and men within 15-49 years would be interviewed.
“The fieldwork for the NDHS2013 will take place for about four months, starting from 15th February to May 30th, 2013, in six zonal centres,” he stated.
The NPC also said the scheme would, among other things, resolve historical challenges or divisive issues; put Nigeria first before tribe or religion; develop visionary leadership within political parties; stop corruption and culture of impunity as well as ensure rule of law, food security and good education.