The Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission (NPC) in Cross River State, Alex Ukam, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, has launched the 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) Survey in 16 local government areas of the state.
The survey aims to investigate the causes of infant mortality and reduce preventable deaths.
Ukam stated that the current VASA study builds on earlier studies conducted between 2014 and 2019, which provided data to shape health policies.
He explained that the survey will examine both the biomedical and social causes of deaths among children under five and women of reproductive age to help the government develop solutions.
Ukam added that the study will collect information on maternal and child mortality, focusing on factors contributing to these deaths.
The data collected will help policymakers address issues and develop strategies to improve maternal and child health in Cross River State and beyond.
The fieldwork is scheduled for November 4 to December 15, 2024, across selected communities.
Data collectors from the Commission will visit households to conduct interviews with family members and gather information on maternal and child deaths.
Ukam called on individuals, community leaders, and the media to support the survey.
He urged communities to cooperate with interviewers and assured that all information collected would remain confidential.
