FG To Investigate Causes Of Child, Maternal Deaths

• The National Population Commission has launched the 2024 VASA Survey to investigate the causes of under-five and maternal mortality in Nigeria
• The survey aims to analyze 4,879 cases, providing critical data to help policymakers develop strategies for reducing preventable deaths

The National Population Commission (NPC) has launched the 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) Survey to investigate the high rates of under-five and maternal deaths in Nigeria.

The survey, which started on November 4 and will run until December 15, is being conducted in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

At a press briefing, NPC Chairman Nasir Isa Kwarra stressed the survey’s importance in uncovering the causes and risk factors behind these preventable deaths.

“This initiative will provide critical data to help policymakers develop strategies to prevent child and maternal mortality,” Kwarra stated.

The survey aims to analyze 4,879 cases, including 2,537 under-five deaths, of which 31% are neonatal and 69% involve older children.

A total of 26 teams, including interviewers, supervisors, and quality managers, have been deployed for comprehensive assessments.

“This is the third VASA survey, following editions in 2014 and 2019. It will use data from the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) to provide insights into mortality causes at national and regional levels,” Kwarra explained.

The NDHS reports that Nigeria’s under-five mortality rate stands at 110 deaths per 1,000 live births, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions.