Hussaini Kafi in Kano
The National Population Commission (NPC) has taken a significant step towards improving maternal and child health in Nigeria by launching the 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) Study.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to delve into the underlying causes of child mortality and maternal deaths, providing crucial data for targeted health interventions.
Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, a Federal Commissioner at the NPC, highlighted the urgent need to address the pressing issue of child and maternal mortality.
He emphasized that the VASA study is not merely a research project, but a vital tool for saving lives.
The study will examine both social and medical factors contributing to the deaths of children under five and women of reproductive age.
The gathered data will inform the development of effective health policies, enhance healthcare delivery systems, and ultimately reduce the alarming rates of child and maternal mortality in Nigeria.
The VASA study is a collaborative effort involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, ICF, and USAID. Key national agencies, including the National Bureau of Statistics and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, are also actively participating in this important initiative.
Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, represented by Nasiru Baba-Saleh, underscored the significance of the VASA study in providing insights into the biological and social factors associated with neonatal, child, and maternal deaths.
The NPC has urged all stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, government agencies, community leaders, families, and the media, to support and participate in the study.
By working together, they can contribute to the success of this initiative and help create a healthier future for Nigeria.
The launch of the VASA study demonstrates the NPC’s unwavering commitment to reducing child and maternal mortality, improving healthcare delivery, and building a more resilient and prosperous nation.
