By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
The need for an inclusive database for all categories of the Nigerian Population has been described as an avenue that could trigger Governments at all levels into making sound policies and informed decisions affecting welfare of citizens.
This statement was part of the message delivered in Bauchi by Deborah Tabara, on behalf of UNFPA Nigeria on Thursday 11th July, 2024, as part of activities commemorating this year’s World Population Day.
Tabara, who doubles as UNFPA Gender/Reproductive Health Analyst said that the theme of this year’s WPD calls for reflections on the indispensable role of inclusive data in crafting a resilient and just future for everyone.
She said that one of the pathways to a peaceful and prosperous future is the strategic use of reliable, inclusive data, stressing that, UNFPA’s report on the State of the World Population (SWOP) Report 2024 that have demonstrated some progress in ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal and eliminating gender-based violence along with harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation and child, early, and forced marriage.
Tabara pointed out that much of the progress made has been made possible by the enhanced availability of data and sophisticated analytical tools that have enabled better planning, effective monitoring, and the design of targeted interventions.
She further disclosed that, though progress made in the database on Nigerian population, findings from studies and surveys conducted have revealed that the most marginalized and vulnerable populations are still being left behind, and disparities in access to healthcare are growing both within and between countries.
“For humanity to progress, people must be counted, wherever they are and whoever they are in all their diversity. To end inequality, to find and grow in peace and prosperity, more threads of the world need to do more for inclusion.
“To go uncounted is to be made invisible and, as a result, left unserved. This contributes to a 10-year-old girl being left with no health care when she is displaced during conflict. Or to an older woman with a disability having no safety net when a crisis strikes. It leaves a newborn in a remote indigenous community without the passport protection, that birth registration confers” said Tabara.
The UNFPA Gender/Reproductive Health Analyst also informed the gathering that World Population Day 2024 is a moment to ask who is still going uncounted and why and what these may cost individuals, societies, and our global efforts to leave no one behind.
“It is also a moment for all of us to commit to doing more to ensure that our data systems capture the full range of human diversity so that everyone is seen, can exercise their human rights and can reach their full potential.
“UNFPA looks forward to continuing to strengthen collaboration with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to leave no one behind, count everyone.
“UNFPA stands ready to support the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to harness the power of inclusive data to build resilient systems and societies. This is because inclusive data is not an end in itself; but a means to informed decision-making, especially to shape policies, programmes, strategies, plans, and budgets that promote inclusivity and equality. Together with you, we can forge a future where every person is counted, every community is acknowledged, and every need is addressed” Tabara enthused.
There were goodwill messages from National Population Commission, Bauchi State Ministries of Budget, Planning/Multilateral Coordination, Education and Health.
This year’s WPD has as it’s theme, “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All”.