The Challenge Initiative (TCI), a reproductive health initiative designed to support sub-national governments in achieving greater self-reliance in scaling up family planning (FP), has called for increased investment in inclusive, equitable, and transparent data collection processes regarding family planning to Nigeria’s population growth.
TCI made the call in a press statement issued to commemorate the 2024 World Population Day 2024, with the theme “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All.”
The group noted that increased investment in family planning will ensure the creation of resilient systems that reflect the diverse experiences of all Nigerians, leading to a sustainable and prosperous future where rights and choices are enjoyed by everyone.
It was also emphasised that “comprehensive data collection and analysis helps to institute informed planning and service delivery, which is very essential for all states to address the needs of the populace and to deliver the ‘dividends’ of democracy, which has eluded Nigerians since the inception of the current democratic governance since 1999. Efforts by TCI in 23 states across Nigeria have been yielding fruit with support to governments across the country
While acknowledging that “Nigeria has made tremendous progress in sexual and reproductive health over the last 30 years has been driven by improved data collection and analysis, enabling better planning and monitoring”, the group recommended that “the country must continue to prioritize investments in population data systems, ensuring data collection is safe and inclusive. Specifically, new data tools can highlight invisible issues but must be managed carefully to avoid biases and privacy risks.”
“For sustainability and enhanced resilience, the country must sustain the current progress and ensure inclusive programming to accommodate the most marginalized communities excluded from advancements and growing inequalities in healthcare access,” the statement reads.