In a bid to prevent prevalent neo-natal and maternal death among the populace, the Federal Government has commenced investigation into the root causes of such deaths.
The programme tagged, Verbal And Social Autopsy, VASA, study, involved field workers from the National Population Commission, NPC, and the Federal Ministry of Health taking data from from selected local government across the country.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Monday during the take-off of the Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States field work, NPC’s National Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, said VASA is a crucial survey designed to provide clues into the causes under-five and maternal deaths in the various communities, with a view to tackling the menace.
Represented by the Federal Commissioner for Osun, Dr Amidu Tadese, he charged traditional rulers to support the VASA team in a hid to achieve its mandate for the benefit of the communities and the country as whole.
His words, “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 losses. 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.
“Fieldwork for this study will be conducted in selected communities throughout the state between 4th November to 15th December 2024. 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. This sensitive but essential process requires the cooperation and support of every individual and community.
“We recognize the vital role that traditional and community leaders play in mobilizing community support and facilitating the smooth conduct of activities like the VASA study. We call on our revered leaders to lend their voices in support of this study, encouraging their communities to welcome the interviewers and participate fully in the process. Your leadership is invaluable in ensuring that this study is well-received and that the information gathered reflects the experiences and challenges within our communities”.
Also VASA team leader for Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States, Olusola Raheem, disclosed that his team has successfully concluded its study in Ekiti and would be conducting study in the area of neo-natal and maternal deaths in 22 local government areas in Osun before moving to Ondo States for similar work.