The National Population Commission, NPC, is set to conduct field work on Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) in 67 selected communities in Kogi State.
The fieldwork is 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. The survey was last carried out in 2019.
He noted that the Commission has trained data collectors who will visit households to conduct interviews with family members, adding that,m they are expected to gather information that will help the NPC understand the circumstances surrounding maternal and child deaths in Kogi State.
He pointed out that the NPC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health is implementing the nationwide study.
Speaking further he said, “This round of VASA study is aimed at building on the 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, (NDHS) 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 the age of five and for women of reproductive age.
He averred that the study will collect essential data on both maternal and child mortality, which will focus on the social and health-related factors that contribute to these tragic losses.
Afolabi added that this information will empower decision- makers to address the underlying issues that lead to the maternal , child deaths.
Continuing, he said, “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, by 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.
Earlier, the Kogi State Director of NPC Ojo Abiodun Titus, noted that the essence of the press briefing is to inform the public through the media, the importance of Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA).
