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| Nigerian Child |
One of every 15 Nigerian children dies before celebrating their first birthday, 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) has shown.
The new report revealed that child mortality decreases based on financial capacity of every households in the country.
It showed a decline of about 128 deaths of under-five children per 1,000 births compared to 157 per 1, 000 births in 2008 and 201 per 1, 000 births in 2003.
The survey just unveiled in Abuja was implemented by the National Population Commission (NPC) and funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
"Infant and under-five mortality rates in the five year period before the survey are 69 and 128 deaths per 1, 000 live births respectively.
"At these mortality levels, one in every 15 Nigerian children dies before reaching age of one. One in every eight does not survive to his or her fifth birthday," the report stated.
According to the NDHS, under-five mortality among children born to mothers with no education is about 180 deaths per 1, 000 live births while 91 deaths were recorded for infants of educated mothers.
The survey linked prevention of infant and maternal mortality to level of mothers' literacy.
However, child spacing was identified as major measure to reduce infant mortality.
On education, the survey showed that over 38 per cent of Nigerian women and 21 per cent of men are illiterates.
The Data on children nutritional status revealed that 37 per cent of under-five children are stunted or too short for their age.
The 2013 NDHS is the 5th democratic and health survey conducted in the country.
The NPC Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Federal Commissioner, Dr. Aliyu Daniel disclosed that the data is useful for planning purposes.
He stated that the report had shown comprehensive indicators on health and living standards of the people.
"The conduct of NDHS, like every other data collection exercise is a means towards the larger goal of fostering sustainable development through evidence based planning," Daniel added.
Senator representing FCT, Sen. Taminu Aduda described the report as vital to effective planning in the territory.
Aduda, represented by Jacob Ayuba called for urgent need to address the situation especially on infant and maternal mortality.
The Director General, National Agency for Control of HIV Aids (NACA), Dr. John Idoko disclosed that the report was critical to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Other development partners present emphasised the importance of population and its usefulness to national development.
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