The National Population Commission (NPC), Zamfara state in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) has launched the 2024 Verbal And Social Autopsy (VASA) survey designed to provide insights into the causes of under-five and maternal deaths in the state.
In a press conference held on Tuesday at the Zamfara state NPC headquarters in Gusau, the federal commissioner of NPC, Muhammad Muttaka Rini said VASA is an important health initiative that will have a lasting impact on the well-being of mothers and children
The Zamfara state Federal Commissioner of NPC who was represented by Director Danjuma Musa disclosed that the study is a follow-up to the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey that was concluded in May 2024.
“This round of study builds on previous efforts from 2014 and 2019, which provided valuable information that helped shape health policies and interventions aimed at reducing preventable deaths.
“In this VASA Study, Interviewers 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.
“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.
“The 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 explained that fieldwork for the study will be conducted in selected communities throughout the state which started 4th November to 15th December 2024.
He said, “Our trained data collectors will visit house fields to conduct interviews with family members, gathering information that will help us understand the circumstances surrounding maternal and child deaths.”
He stressed that this sensitive but essential process requires the cooperation and support of every Individual and community.
“We call on our revered leaders to land their voices in support of this study, encouraging their communities to welcome the interviewers and participate fully in the process,” he appealed
He further appealed to all citizen cooperation that would make the 2024 Nigeria VASA Study a success in Zamfara State.
“By supporting and participating in this study, we are all contributing to a brighter and healthier future for our communities and country at large,” he said.
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