The Nasarawa State headquarters of the National Population Commission (NPC) has initiated the Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) survey to investigate the causes of maternal deaths and child mortality under the age of five in 28 communities across the state.
The Federal Commissioner representing Benue State and overseeing Nasarawa, Barrister Patricia Iyanya Kupchi, made this known during the 2024 VASA study launch at the NPC Conference Hall in Lafia.
Barrister Kupchi, represented by Mrs. Priscilla Yohanna Jaggu, the State Director of the NPC, emphasized that the survey’s systematic approach aims to reduce mortality rates for children under five and women of reproductive age, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health. Fieldwork for the study is scheduled to take place from November 4 to December 15, 2024, with trained ad hoc staff conducting house-to-house interviews.
This effort is expected to provide crucial data on the factors contributing to these deaths.
The VASA study, supported by USAID and other partners, builds upon previous initiatives undertaken in 2014 and 2019.
According to Kupchi, the data gathered will inform policies and interventions by federal and state governments aimed at reducing mortality rates among these vulnerable groups.
She commended the support of Governor Abdullahi Sule and local government councils, urging communities to cooperate fully with interviewers to ensure accurate data collection.
Mr. Domchaik, Team Coordinator for the NPC in Abuja, noted that seven teams have been thoroughly trained to ensure the exercise’s success in Nasarawa State.
In further remarks, Assistant Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Michael David, representing the Ministry of Health, highlighted the ministry's commitment to achieving accurate data on maternal and child mortality.
He stressed the importance of sensitizing rural women on attending antenatal care (ANC) at government facilities.
Also speaking, Mr. Muhammed Uba Muhammed, Director of Administration and Supply from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, pledged the ministry’s support for the exercise, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding the welfare of women and children.
