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The Federal Government, on Tuesday in Akure, Ondo State capital, commenced the Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy Study to provide insights into the causes of under-five and maternal deaths in the state.
It was gathered that the project which is being carried out by the two government agencies, the National Population Commission and the Federal Ministry of Health, would be taking place in 13 of the 18 local government areas of the state.
The LGs selected for the project include Akoko North-East, Akoko South-West, Owo, Akure South, Ile-Oluji/ Oke-Igbo, Ondo West, Idanre, Odigbo, Ifedore, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Irele and Ilaje.
Speaking on the development, the National Commissioner of the NPC, Mr Ayodeji Ajayi, explained that the study was a data collection on an important health initiative that would have a lasting impact on the well-being of mothers and children across the state.
Represented by the Ondo State Director of NPC, Mrs Olayinka Chijioke, the national director stated that the study will collect essential data on both maternal and child mortality, focusing on the social and health-related factors to the tragic losses.
He said, “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.
“The study is a follow-up to the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey that was concluded in May this year. We will be going back to the NDHS households to ask for information that will help the government understand and plan to address the biomedical and social causes of death of children under age five and women of reproductive age.
“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. They were done in Ekiti State and they are now in Osun State after which they will come to Ondo State.
“Our trained data collectors will visit households to conduct interviews with family members, gathering information that will help us understand the circumstances surrounding maternal and child deaths.”
The NPC boss, who sought the cooperation and support of every individual and community including traditional rulers in ensuring the success of the survey, called on leaders in various communities to lend their voices in support of the study and encourage their communities to welcome the interviewers and participate fully in the process.
