By Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The National Population Commission (NPC), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), has officially commenced the 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) Study in Jigawa State.
Speaking at a press conference, NPC Federal Commissioner Alhaji Garba AG Zakar, represented by the NPC State Director Alhaji Kassim D. Muhammad, announced that the study will cover 34 clusters across 23 local government areas.
Highlighting its significance, he stated that the initiative aims to improve the well-being of mothers and children across Jigawa and Nigeria at large.
The VASA Study, described as a “crucial survey,” seeks to uncover the biomedical and social causes of under-five and maternal deaths in communities.
Alhaji Zakar explained, “The study is a follow-up to the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey concluded in May this year.
They 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 deaths of children under age of five and women of reproductive age.”
He noted the strong history of collaboration between NPC, FMOH, and state partners, expressing confidence that this partnership will ensure the success of the current initiative.
“In Jigawa State, we have benefitted from the strong collaboration between the NPC, FMOH, and our valued state partners to successfully implement health-related projects in the past,” he said.
The exercise, which commenced on 4th November, is expected to run through 15th December 2024, involving selected communities across the state.
Alhaji Zakar commended the unwavering support of the state government, traditional and religious leaders, and urged residents to cooperate fully to ensure the study’s success.
