National Population Commission Launches Verbal Autopsy Survey

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Muazu Hassan 
@ Katsina Times 

The National Population Commission in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health has launched the 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) which is a survey designed to uncover the causes of maternal deaths and the deaths of children under the age of five.

Briefing newsmen on the survey, the Federal Commissioner representing Katsina State at the National Population Commission, Engr. Bala Almu Banye explained that this round of VASA study will build on previous surveys from 2014 to 2019. 

He said the aim of the survey is to provide valuable information that will help in shaping health policies and interventions with the objective of reducing maternal and child deaths.

Engr. Banye explained that the survey will also provide government will information that will help it to understand and come out with strategies to address biomedical and social causes of deaths of children under five and women of reproductive age.

He noted that the survey will also serve as a follow-up to the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographics and Health Survey that was conducted in May this year. 

"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. 

"This information will empower decision makers to address the underlying issues that lead to these deaths and will ultimately inform policies aimed that improving maternal and child health in the state. 

"Our trained data collectors will visit households to conduct interviews with family members to gather information that will help us understand the circumstances surrounding maternal and child deaths", he said.. 

The NPC Federal Commissioner appealed to traditional and community leaders to mobilize community support and facilitate the smooth conduct of the VASA survey.

He also urged leaders at all levels to lend their voices in support of the study by appealing to members of communities to welcome the interviewers and participate fully in the process. 

While urging members of the public to cooperate with the interviewers, Engr. Banye also tasked them to provide accurate information which will be used to formulate critical policies in the health sector. 

"We urge members of the public to cooperate with our interviewers who will listen, gather and document your experiences with the utmost respect and confidentiality", he said.
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