NPC LAUNCHES VASA STUDY TO TACKLE MATERNAL AND CHILD MORTALITY

In a significant step towards improving maternal and child health in Nigeria, the National Population Commission officially opened the training for interviewers involved in the 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) Study today. The opening ceremony, held at the Kini Country Guest Inn, highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive data to combat preventable deaths among women and children.

In his address, the Chairman of the National Population Commission, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, emphasized that this study builds on the successes of previous assessments conducted in 2014 and 2019, aiming to deepen understanding of the factors contributing to maternal and under-five mortality. "Despite our progress, we continue to face challenges that claim the lives of too many women and children," he stated. "Understanding these factors is essential for enhancing our healthcare systems."

The 2024 VASA Study, a collaborative effort involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, ICF, and funding from USAID, aims to collect vital data that will inform policies and interventions at both national and state levels. Key national agencies, including the National Bureau of Statistics and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, are also integral to this initiative, underscoring the importance of a collective approach to data-driven decision-making.

Kwarra called on state governments to support the study by facilitating fieldwork, urging all stakeholders to remain engaged throughout the process. He stressed the critical role interviewers will play as frontline data collectors, stating, "The success of this study rests on the quality of your work."

As the interviewers prepare to gather sensitive information from families, Kwarra urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and empathy. "You are not just collecting data; you are contributing to the health and well-being of millions of Nigerians," he said.

In closing, Kwarra expressed gratitude to all partners and stakeholders for their support and collaboration, which he described as exemplary. He declared the workshop officially open, hoping for transformative outcomes from the hard work ahead.

Federal Commissioner representing Benue State and overseeing Nasarawa State in the National Population Commission, Barr. Mrs. Patricia Kupchi Iyanya while welcoming the stakeholders and participants to the training workshop stated that Verbal Autopsy and Social Autopsy (VASA) study which is expected to generate data on under 5 and maternal mortality is very important to Nasarawa State, because the Executive Governor is implementing programmes that will reduce both child and maternal mortality in the state. Therefore, the data generated from the study will help monitor and evaluate the progress of such programme.

NPC Federal Commissioner, Oyo State, Dr. Eyitayo Oyetunji representing the Chairman of Planning and Research Committee, Prof. Uba Nnabue, stated that the 2024 VASA Study is a follow-up to the 2023/24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).

‘The Study is primarily aimed at investigating the underlying causes and contributing factors responsible for deaths among children aged 0-5 years and women of reproductive age in Nigeria. Unlike past Studies that focused only on causes of under-5 deaths, the 2024 VASA Study seeks to provide causative patterns and trends surrounding both under-5 as well as maternal mortality in Nigeria,’ he said.

Team Lead 2024 VASA, Mr. Olakunle Olugbeyokun, while stating the overview of the 2024 VASA disclosed that the Verbal Autopsy is a method of finding out the cause of death based on an interview with the next of kin or caregiver of the deceased and also an indirect method of ascertaining biomedical causes of death from information on symptoms, signs and circumstances preceding death.

He further stated that VASA is used to determine the likely cause of death in the absence of medical records or an autopsy. ‘The study is essential where most people die at home without having had contact with the health system and in areas where civil registration and death certification systems are weak,’ he said.

Regarding the scope of the survey, Olakunle noted that 26 field teams will revisit consenting households in 1200 clusters to interview caretakers of 3000 child deaths under 5 and 2500 female deaths aged 12 to 49.

Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim represented by Nasiru Baba-Saleh noted that VASA as a follow-up study to the 2023-24 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) is to provide information on the biological and social factors of neonatal, child and adult female deaths with a special interest in maternal deaths.

‘The core mandate of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs is to formulate policies, implement programmes and advocate on issues affecting women, children and other vulnerable groups and these can only be achieved with accurate information and data.

‘To stop mothers and children from dying we first need to know who is dying, from what causes, and where,’ she said.

Chairman Child Survival Committee, Prof. Alice Nte observed that the information and data collected through the VASA survey would assist policymakers and programme managers in evaluating and designing programmes and strategies for improving the health and welfare of the country’s population, especially women and children.

Dr. Saidu Abdulhadi Diyo representing the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare advocated for action in the implementation of the VASA report.

Meanwhile, the opening ceremony had in attendance other stakeholders including NPC Federal Commissioners and Director-General.

This vital study aims to pave the way for improved healthcare policies, ultimately striving to reduce maternal and child mortality rates across Nigeria.