NPC launches verbal social autopsy on causes of mortality in Cross River

The Federal Commissioner of National Population, NPC in CroSss River State, Alex Ukam in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health have launched the 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy, VASA, Survey in 16 Local government areas of the state to reduce infant mortality rates.

Ukam said this round of the VASA study builds on previous efforts held from 2014 to 2019 which provided valuable information that helped to shape health policies and interventions aimed at reducing preventable deaths.

According to him, the survey is also aimed at getting information that will help the government understand and plan to address the biomedical and social causes of deaths of children under age 5 and women of productive age.

He pointed out that the study will collect essential data on both maternal and child mortality, focusing on the social and health-related factors that contribute to the tragic losses.

He noted that the 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.

Ukam emphasised that the fieldwork for the study will be conducted in selected communities in the state between the 4th of November and the 15th of December 2024.

He said the Commission’s trained data collectors will visit households to conduct interviews with family members, adding that they will gather information that will help the government understand the circumstances surrounding maternal and child deaths.

He called for the cooperation and support of every individual and community, community leaders and the media, urging them to lend their voices in support of the study.

He encouraged communities to welcome the interviewers and participate fully in the process, disclosing that they are to gather and document experiences with the utmost respect and confidentiality.

He believed that the exercise would help to prevent unnecessary losses of young lives in communities and secure a healthier future for families.

NPC launches verbal social autopsy on causes of mortality in Cross River