The National Population Commission (NPC) has commenced the 2024 Verbal And Social Autopsy (VASA) study, in Plateau with the aim of addressing maternal and child mortality.
Mrs Mary Afan, the NPC Federal Commissioner for Plateau, disclosed this at the opening of the programme in Jos on Tuesday.
She said that the survey would provide insights into the causes of under-five and maternal deaths in the state.
Represented by the State Director, Mrs Felicia Mwolpun, Afan said that the study would result in improved maternal and child health in Plateau.
She said said that the study was being conducted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health
According to her, the study, will build on previous studies which were carried out between 2014 and 2019.
“These studies provided valuable information that shaped health policies and interventions to reduce preventable deaths.
“The 2024 VASA study is a follow up to the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) that was concluded in May,” she said.
She said that during the VASA study, field workers would revisit NDHS households to get information about the biomedical and social causes of death of children under five and women of reproductive age.
The NPC official said that the data generated from field would empower decision makers to address underlying causes of the deaths.
“The data will help to make informed policies aimed at improving maternal and child health in the state,” she said.
Afan, urged community leaders to encourage their people to actively participate in the exercise by cooperating with the field personnel.
“The information gathered will reflect the experiences and challenges within the communities, they will be documented with utmost sense of respect and confidentiality.
“34 identified clusters in 16 local governments areas of the state will be visited. The exercise will end on Dec. 15,” she said.