In 2003, the population of Nigeria is estimated to be 126.1
million, with an annual growth of 2.9%. According to 2003, NDHS
report, TFR stands at 5.7, while mortality trend appears to be
rising: infant mortality rate rose from 75/1000 in 1999 to 100/1000
in 2003; maternal mortality rate estimated at 800/1000 is one of the
highest for Africa.
The
country has enjoyed relative political stability, which was
translated into a successful conduct of presidential, gubernatorial
and parliamentary elections in 2003. (This created favorable
environment for the hosting of many international events, notably
the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the 8th
All Africa Games). The renewal of policy makers in all arms of
government (Executive, Legislative and Judiciary), presents new
advocacy challenges for the FO.
The existence of Legislative committees on a) population and
development, b) health, c) HIV/AIDS, d) women and Youths demonstrate
commitment of the legislature and will ultimately create favourable
environment for the implementation of population and development and
gender programmes in Nigeria. Inadequate budgetary allocations and
release of funds in 2003 had impact on social services, including RH
services and preparatory activities for the 2005 population and
housing census.
Although
women are still disadvantaged in terms of employment, education,
land ownership, access to credit, the last elections revealed an
improvement in the number of elected positions, which has enhanced
their participation in government.
However, their status and potential are still undermined by a
number of harmful traditional practices and customs, such as the
traditional preference for male children, poor nutrition for girls,
female genital cutting, violence against women and widowhood rites.
Available indicators reveal that majority of the 66 percent
of the population living below the poverty line are women.
HIV/AIDS prevalence rates increased from 5.4% in 1999 to 5.8%
in 2001, and the result of the 2003 sero-prevalence survey is being
awaited.
1.2.
In response to increasing level of poverty, government started, in
2003, the development of a home-grown poverty eradication framework,
known as National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy
(NEEDS) which is the equivalent of the Poverty Reduction Strategy
Paper (PRSP). In addition, government has embarked on several reform
processes in all development sectors, including health, civil
service and economic sector reforms, to address some of the
inefficiencies observed over the years.
While
adequate policy instruments on population and development, including
national policies on women, HIV/AIDS, youths, RH, education exist,
the required legal and implementation frameworks are inadequate.
The
goal of the proposed programme is to contribute to enhancing the
quality of life of Nigerians by securing commitment at all levels
for the implementation of the national population and development
programme. The
programme is consistent with the goals of the ICPD programme of
Action, ICPD+5, the national population policy and CCA/UNDAF, as
detailed in the attached results and resources framework.
The programme will cover 15 out of 36 states. The level and type of assistance to be provided to the 12
states assisted under the previous programme will be based on: (a)
the incidence of poor health survey report; and (b) the level of
donor assistance. Furthermore,
three disadvantaged states will be selected from the north-west.
The programme will encompass all three thematic areas:
advocacy, reproductive health, and population and development
strategies.
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