VASA Study Key to Improving Women, Children’s Lives – NPC

By Praise Chinecherem

National Population Commission (NPC) has identified verbal and social autopsy (VASA) study as important health initiative targeted to ultimately improve the lives of children and women.

Federal Commissioner, representing Anambra State, Chidi Ezeoke who stated this during the launch of 2024 VASA Study in Awka, noted that the study was designed to have a lasting impact on the well being of mothers and children across the state.

Ezeoke, represented by the State Director, NPC, Dr Kingsley Okereke explained that the crucial survey was also conceived to provide insights into the causes of under- five and maternal deaths in communities.

He said, “The 2024 VASA study is collective effort utilizing data driven decision making and highlights the shared commitment to improving health outcomes for most vulnerable populations.

“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 loses.

” 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”

While revealing that the study had already commenced on November 4 and would end December 15 2024 in 17 selected communities of the state, Ezeoke solicited for cooperation and support of individuals and communities.

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

“This sensitive but essential process requires the cooperation and support of every individual and community. In Anambra State it will be carried out in 17 local government areas.

“The four shut out local government areas are Ayamelum, Nnewi South, Onitsha North and Orumba South.

“The NPC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health is implementing this nation wide study.

“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”

Contributing, former Director of the Commission, Mrs Chinyere Maduagwuna explained that the focus of the study on women and children was due to high mortality rates among them.

She said that the field data collectors would ask very deep questions to understand the causes of deaths among under five children and mothers.

On why the four Local Government Areas were shut out of the exercise, Okereke explained that they were excluded based on past surveys, which indicated that they recorded low child and maternal deaths.