NPC Launches 2024 VASA Study in Imo State to Tackle Maternal and Child Mortality

Harriet C. Ijeomah

The National Population Commission (NPC), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), has launched the 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) Study to address the high rates of maternal and child mortality in Nigeria. Speaking at a press briefing at the NPC office in Owerri, Hon. Federal Commissioner Prof. Uba Nnabue (KSJI) emphasized the importance of the study in uncovering the causes of these preventable deaths and shaping effective health interventions.

This study follows the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and aims to revisit households that participated in the NDHS to collect additional data on biomedical and social factors contributing to the deaths of children under five and women of reproductive age. Prof. Nnabue explained that the information gathered would be crucial for developing targeted solutions to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

The Director of the Imo State National Orientation Agency (NOA), Stella Maris Igwe, stated the critical role of partnerships in ensuring the success of the VASA study. She appealed to stakeholders, community leaders, and media organizations to actively assist in enlightening the public about the importance of the survey.

“The success of the VASA study depends on strong collaborations. Stakeholders, traditional leaders, and the media have a vital role in mobilizing public participation and ensuring this study achieves its purpose. Together, we can make a lasting difference,” Igwe stated.

Maternal and child mortality remains a significant challenge in Nigeria. According to UNICEF, Nigeria accounts for 20% of global maternal deaths and has one of the highest under-five mortality rates worldwide, with 117 deaths per 1,000 live births as of 2023. Many of these deaths are linked to preventable or treatable conditions, such as malaria, pneumonia, and complications during childbirth.

In Imo State, these issues are exacerbated by socio-economic barriers, insufficient healthcare access, and limited awareness of maternal and child health practices. The VASA study is designed to provide localized data to address these challenges through targeted interventions.

Fieldwork for the study is scheduled to take place from November 4th to December 15th, 2024, with trained interviewers visiting selected households across the state. Prof. Nnabue assured citizens that all information collected would be treated with the utmost confidentiality and urged them to cooperate fully with data collectors.

Stressing the importance of collective effort, he called on traditional rulers, youth leaders, and women leaders to encourage their communities to support the survey. He also urged media outlets to amplify awareness campaigns and educate citizens on the relevance of the study.

Prof. Nnabue expressed gratitude to the Imo State Government, the Ministries of Health and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and security agencies for their support. He also thanked stakeholders, traditional leaders, and the NOA for their efforts to ensure the success of the study.

The 2024 Nigeria VASA Study is not just a data-gathering exercise—it is a collaborative mission to reduce maternal and child mortality. By participating in and supporting this initiative, Imo State is taking a bold step toward securing a healthier future for its citizens.

Citizens are encouraged to cooperate with data collection teams and view their participation as a meaningful contribution to saving lives and building stronger communities.