By Francesca Hangeior

The National Population Commission has begun the 2024 Nigeria Verbal And Social Autopsy study which seeks to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Lagos State and other states in the country.

The Federal Commissioner, NPC Lagos State, Mrs Saidat Oladunjoye, said the study was an important health initiative.

Oladunjoye said that it would have a lasting impact on the well-being of mothers and children across the state and the entire nation.

She described the VASA study, which was implemented nationwide, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, as a crucial survey, designed to provide insights into the causes of under-five and maternal deaths in the communities.

According to her, this round of VASA 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.

“The study is a follow-up to the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey that was concluded in May this year.

“We 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 five and for women of reproductive age.

“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 at improving maternal and child health in the state and beyond.

“Fieldwork for this study will be conducted in selected communities throughout the state from Nov. 21 to Dec. 15.

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

Oladunjoye said the sensitive but essential process of the interview required the cooperation and support of every individual and community.

She urged the public to cooperate with the interviewers, as they would listen, gather, and document experiences with the utmost respect and confidentiality.

“In sharing your experiences and welcoming our data collection teams, you are contributing directly to a project aimed at preventing unnecessary losses in our communities and securing a healthier future for our families.

“Together, let us make the 2024 Nigeria VASA Study a success in Lagos State. By supporting and participating in this study, we are all contributing to a brighter and healthier future for our communities and our country,” Oladunjoye said.

Also speaking, the VASA Coordinator, Mrs Samiat Lawal, said the data collection teams had undergone three weeks of training at Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

Lawal said the study would be carried out in 14 Local Government Areas in Lagos State, which were found to have cases of maternal and child mortality, during the NDHS conducted in May.

She said the LGAs included Alimosho, Ifako Ijaye; Agege; Oshodi-Isolo; Mushin; Shomolu; Ikorodu; Amuwo Odofin; Ajeromi Ifelodun; Eti-osa; Ibeju, Epe; Ojo and Badagry.