FG Launches 2024 NDHS Report, Records Decline In Fertility and Under-Five Mortality
Nigeria has recorded measurable progress in key health indicators, including fertility and child survival, according to the newly released 2024 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) launched by the Federal Government on Friday in Abuja.
The comprehensive report, conducted by the National Population Commission (NPC) with support from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and development partners, provides fresh insights into reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health across the country.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the NDHS as “an indispensable tool for policy decisions, health equity, and efficient resource allocation.”
He revealed that Nigeria’s total fertility rate has declined from 5.3 children per woman in 2018 to 4.8 in 2024, while modern contraceptive use among married women rose from 12% to 15%.
He, however, noted that the gains remain below the levels needed for rapid social and economic progress.
On maternal and child health, antenatal care coverage now stands at 63%, and skilled birth attendance has reached 46%, with postnatal coverage improving to 42%, up from 38% in 2018.
The report also shows progress in child survival, as under-five mortality declined to 110 deaths per 1,000 live births, down from 132 in 2018.
However, neonatal mortality remains largely unchanged at 41 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to 39 five years ago.
“Considering that 40 to 45 percent of under-five mortality occurs during the neonatal period, these findings challenge us to do more,” Dr. Salako stated, adding that the Ministry has launched the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII) and the Nigeria Child Survival Action Plan 2025–2029 to address the gaps.
The survey further revealed that only 39% of children aged 12–23 months are fully vaccinated, while 31% remain completely unvaccinated (“zero dose”), exposing deep inequalities in immunisation coverage across states.
Ownership of insecticide-treated nets remains high, with six in ten households owning at least one, and half of pregnant women reporting usage, an encouraging sign for malaria prevention.
Dr. Salako also raised concern over low diagnosis rates of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, noting that fewer than 10% of adults have ever been tested for blood pressure or blood sugar levels.
He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improving national health indices through funding, policy reforms, and collaboration with state and community stakeholders.
The NPC Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, described the NDHS as “a national mural that reflects how we can improve the health and well-being of Nigerians,” noting that the survey covered over 40,000 households across the 36 states and the FCT.
Dr. Salako officially unveiled the report, calling it “a mirror and a map, showing us where we stand and how to move forward.”
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