Kogi NPC Conducts VASA Study In 67 Selected Communities Across The State…. Aims @ Reducing Maternal Mortality- Hon. Fed Comm.

The National Population Commission, NPC, says its embarking on the 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy, VASA, study, a survey meant to provide insights into causes of under five and maternal deaths in communities across Kogi State.

The Federal Commissioner representing Kogi State at the Commission in Abuja, Hon Engr Yori Afolabi disclosed this at a Press Conference in Lokoja.

Hon. Afolabi said as part of its statutory responsibilities, the NPC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health is implementing the nationwide study aimed at providing valuable information to shape health policies and interventions at reducing preventable deaths.

According to him, the study is a follow up to the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey that was concluded in May this year hence the VASA study to help government understand and plan to address the biomedical and social causes of the death of children under the age of five and for women of reproductive age.

He called for cooperation among village heads, traditional rulers and the people in the area of study with the field workers of the Commission conducting the study in 67 selected communities across 13 Local Government Areas in Kogi State between 17th November and 17th December 2024.

He acknowledged the continued partnership of the Kogi State Government as well as the State Ministry of Health to achieve set goals.

Earlier in his remark, the State Director of the Commission, Mr Ojo Abiodun Titus said the study has a direct impact on the health of mothers, children and Nigerians at large.

Mr Ojo said the regular survey as part of the duty of the NPC is being used by policy makers and implementators as economy indices for planning and execution of government interventions to reduce maternal and child mortality.

He said others issues looked into in the Nigeria Demographic Health Survey, NDHS, done every five years include; breast feeding, childhood and maternal mortality, domestic violence, tobacco consumption among others.

In a message to the occasion, Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Doctor Abdulaziz Adams assured of the Ministry’s partnership with the NPC to improve on mother/child health across the State.