The National Population Commission (NPC) has launched the 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) study, aimed at tackling maternal and child mortality in Niger State.
Federal Commissioner, NPC in Niger State, Alhaji Muhammad Usman stated this during a press conference in Minna, saying, “The study is a crucial survey designed to provide insights into the cause of under-five and maternal deaths in communities in Niger state.”
The State Director of NPC in Niger State, Nma Alhaji Shehu, did the press briefing on behalf of Muhammad Dattijo Usman, saying the study is in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health with technical support from ICF and John Hopkins University.
He said, “We are here to introduce the 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) Study, a crucial survey designed to provide insights into the causes of under-five and maternal deaths in our communities.”
Usman explained that the study is a follow-up to the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey that was concluded in May this year.
He said that the study will provide valuable information to help shape health policies and interventions aimed at reducing preventable deaths.
According to him, the NPC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) is implementing this nationwide study.
“The study builds on previous efforts from 2014 and 2019. The 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.
“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 said.
He noted that fieldwork for the study will be conducted in selected communities throughout the state between Nov. 4 and Dec. 15, 2024.
Muhammad Dattijo Usman urged traditional and community leaders to lend their voices in support of the study, encouraging their communities to welcome the interviewers and participate fully in the process.
“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,” Usman said.
He also appealed to the general public to cooperate with the interviewers, assuring them of utmost respect and confidentiality.
The Commissioner emphasized that the collaboration and support of every resident of the state is crucial for the VASA study.
“We ask that you receive our data collectors with understanding and kindness and that you actively participate by sharing the important details that will help us address the issues of maternal and child health,” he said.
Usman expressed gratitude to all partners, including the State Government and State Ministries, for their unwavering support and commitment to the success of the study.
Also, Team Lead and Supervisor, VASA in Niger State, Domchak Yohana said out of the 25 local government areas in the state, twenty were randomly selected for the VASA study.
He identified the local government areas to include, Chanchaga, Rafi, Shiroro, Borgu, Mokwa, Bida, Kontagora, Mashegu, Lavun, Bosso, Paikoro, Mariga, Lapai and Katcha, Gbako, Gurara, Tafa, Suleja, Magma and Agaie.
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