By Kelechi Achukwu-jide/Ifeanyi Nwegbu/Ogochukwu Mokwugwo :
The National Population Commission (NPC) has launched the 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) study in Anambra State, aimed at investigating the causes of maternal and child mortality. Interestingly, four local government areas, including Onitsha North, Ayamelum, Nnewi South, and Orumba South, were excluded from the study due to their impressive records of low child and maternal deaths in previous surveys.
The Federal Commissioner representing Anambra State, Chidi Ezeoke, noted that the exclusion of these LGAs highlighted the progress made in reducing maternal and child mortality in these areas.
Ezeoke, who was represented by the State Director of NPC, Dr. Kingsley Okereke, made this known during the launch of the 2024 VASA study in Awka. He explained that the VASA study was designed to investigate the causes of maternal and child mortality, focusing on social and health-related factors.
“The VASA study is a critical tool in our efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality in Nigeria. By understanding the causes of these deaths, we can develop targeted interventions to prevent them and improve health outcomes for women and children.”
The study, which commenced on November 4, will run until December 15, 2024, in 17 selected local government areas of the state. The NPC is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health to implement the study nationwide.
- Achukwu-jide, Nwegbu and Mokwugwo are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *