By Ajibola Olaide, JKNMedia Reporter
IMPORTANCE OF inclusive data for sustainable family planning was the major focus for Nigeria to highlight on World Population Day (WPD) 2024.
The theme, “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All,” stresses the need to address rapid population growth with comprehensive data.
A joint statement by The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria and DevComs Network highlights that thirty years ago, the International Conference on Population and Development emphasized placing people at the center of development.
This focus led to significant advances in reproductive health, reduced maternal mortality, and improved gender equality, driven by strategic data use.
Despite progress however, gaps remain, especially for marginalized communities.
Nigeria’s population, now over 200 million, continues to grow rapidly, worsening poverty, straining healthcare, and hindering sustainable development.
Dr. Taiwo Johnson, country team lead at TCI, stressed the importance of data in effective family planning.
“Embracing comprehensive data collection is essential to manage our demographic trends,” she said.
TCI’s efforts in 23 states have supported governments in improving family planning and childbirth spacing.
Improved data collection and analysis have driven Nigeria’s progress in sexual and reproductive health over the past 30 years.
Continued investment in population data systems is crucial.
New data tools can reveal hidden issues but must avoid biases and privacy risks.
To sustain progress, Nigeria must ensure inclusive programming for marginalized communities.
Investing in equitable and transparent data collection and prioritizing family planning will help create resilient systems that reflect the diverse experiences of all Nigerians, paving the way for a sustainable future where everyone can enjoy their rights and choices, the joint statement stressed.
