National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), conducted by the National Population Commission (NPC) revealed yesterday that more than 60 percent of births in the country occurred at home.
The survey was conducted in 38,522 selected households in the country among men and women from 15-49 years.
The 2013 demographic data, which was presented by the commission’s Project Director, Amaka Ezenwa, also indicated that 36 percent of births occurred in health facilities while less than 40 percent of births in the country are assisted by skilled providers.
Ezenwa said the health system needs serious improvement, given that the proportion of women giving birth at health facilities and women receiving delivery assistance has not improved since 2003.
The director also said that the country has recorded successes in malaria prevention, saying that half of the Nigerian households own insecticide-treated net, which she said is an improvement compared to 2003.
Earlier, the Commission’s Chairman, Eze Duruiheoma, said that the information contained in the report will assist policy makers and programme managers in monitoring and designing programmes and strategies for improving health and family services in the country.
“As Nigeria strives to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) reliable data is required for realistic policy and decision making on health issues, which is key to addressing all other challenges faced by our people”.
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