Nigeria Records Decline In Fertility, Improved Child Survival — Report

Nigeria has recorded notable improvements in key health indicators, including a decline in fertility and under-five mortality rates, according to the newly released 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).

The comprehensive national report, officially launched by the federal government in Abuja, provided crucial data on population health, reproductive and maternal health, child survival, and non-communicable diseases, serving as a guide for evidence-based policies and sustainable health planning.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, described the 2024 NDHS as “an indispensable tool for policy decisions, health equity, and efficient resource allocation.”

He revealed that the country’s total fertility rate declined from 5.3 children per woman in 2018 to 4.8 in 2024, reflecting gradual gains in access to and use of family planning services. Similarly, modern contraceptive use among married women increased from 12 percent to 15 percent, while satisfied demand for family planning rose to 37 percent.

“These improvements are encouraging but remain below the levels required to achieve rapid social and economic transformation,” the minister stated.

On maternal and child health, Dr. Salako noted that antenatal coverage now stands at 63 per cent, skilled birth attendance at 46 per cent, and postnatal care within two days of delivery has increased from 38 per cent in 2018 to 42 per cent in 2024, an improvement that nonetheless highlights ongoing gaps in skilled maternal care.

The survey also revealed progress in child survival, with under-five mortality dropping from 132 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 110 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024. However, neonatal mortality showed little improvement, standing at 41 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to 39 five years earlier.

“Considering that up to 45 percent of under-five deaths occur in the neonatal period, we must intensify efforts to tackle the leading causes of newborn deaths,” Dr. Salako emphasised.

He revealed that the ministry has launched the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII) and the Nigeria Child Survival Action Plan (2025–2029) to address these challenges through coordinated, context-specific interventions.

The NDHS also provided insight into immunisation coverage, showing that 39 percent of children aged 12–23 months are fully vaccinated, while 31 percent remain completely unvaccinated, a concerning gap that underscores inequities across states.

Ownership of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) remains high, with nearly six in ten households owning at least one, and usage among pregnant women now approaching half, reflecting progress in malaria prevention.

Dr. Salako further expressed concern over the low diagnosis rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), noting that fewer than 10 percent of adults aged 15–49 have ever been informed by a health worker of their blood pressure or blood sugar status, despite evidence of rising prevalence nationwide.

He reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to leveraging NDHS data for targeted investments, improved coordination, and reforms across all tiers of the health system.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, described the NDHS as a “national mirror” reflecting Nigeria’s health progress and challenges. He disclosed that the 2024 survey covered over 40,000 households across the 36 states and the FCT, generating credible data for both national and subnational planning.

Kwarra commended development partners including USAID, UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, The World Bank, The Global Fund, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for their financial and technical support toward the successful completion of the survey.