The National Population Commission (NPC), is set to conduct field work on Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) in 67 selected communities throughout Kogi state to determine the causes of maternal and child deaths in those selected communities.
The Federal Commissioner in Kogi State, Engr. Yori Afolabi disclosed this on Monday while briefing Journalists on the current survey which was last carried out in 2019.
According to him the exercise is scheduled to hold from the 17th of November to 17th December 2024.
He noted that the Commission’s trained data collectors will visit households to conduct Interviews with family members, gathering information that will help the NPC understand the circumstances surrounding maternal and child deaths.
He pointed out that the National Population Commission (NPC), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) is implementing this nationwide study.
Speaking further he said, “This round of VASA study is aimed at buliding on previous efforts in 2014 and 2019, which provided valuable information that helped shape health policies and Interventions aimed at reducing preventable deaths. The study is a follow-up to the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey that was concluded in May this year. We will be going back to the NDHS households to ask for information that will help the government understand and plan to address the biomedical and social causes of death of children under age 5 and for women of reproductive age.
He noted that this study will collect essential data on both maternal and child mortality, focusing on the social and health-related factors that contribute to these tragic losses adding that this information will empower decision- makers to address the underlying issues that lead to these deaths and will ultimately inform policies aimed at improving maternal and child health in the state and beyond.
He stressed further that Kogi state, has benefited from the strong collaboration between the NPC, FMOH, Kogi State Government and valued state partners to successfully Implement health-related projects in the past, and they are confident that this collaboration will once again ensure success for the VASA study.
“We recognize the vital role that traditional and community leaders play in mobilizing community support and facilitating the smooth conduct of activities like the VASA study. We call on our revered leaders to lend their voices in support of this study, encouraging their communities to welcome the interviewers and participate fully in the process
“The role of the Press is invaluable in ensuring that this study is well-received and that the information gathered reflects the experiences and challenges within our communities,” he concluded.