NPC begins 2024 Verbal, Social Autopsy Survey in Oyo State
By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
The 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) study has begun in Oyo State across the 33 local government areas and will continue till Dec. 15.
Dr Eyitayo Oyetunji, the Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission (NPC), said VASA is a research to collate data on the causes and contributory factors for deaths of children under five years.
“It will also uncover the reasons for deaths in women of reproductive age.
“The 2024 edition of VASA study is the third to be conducted by NPC. The first study was conducted in 2014, while the second was in 2019.
“Notably, the aspect of the study on mortality among women of reproductive age is being included for the first time in 2024.
“This is to assist policy makers with reliable data to plan and formulate policies for the health sector in relation to maternal and child health in Nigeria
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“Oyo State, specifically, the study seeks to unravel patterns of care-seeking and interventions received as related to deaths in children less than five years of age and women of reproductive age, along with qualitative narratives of factors associated with these patterns.
Oyetunji commended Oyo State Government for the initiative and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for funding.
Similarly, VASA Coordinator of the Study in charge of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States, Alhaja Samiat Lawal, said the study is a follow-up to the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) conducted in some households.
“The mortality has improved greatly in the Southwest, the VASA study is an upshot of the NDHS that we did and ended in May, this year (2024).
“We are going to be visiting those households where we have reported fatal incidences of neonate death, child death and maternal mortality death.”
Mr Olayide Adebayo, the State Director, NPC, Oyo State, said that VASA is designed to provide deep insights into the circumstances surrounding deaths in communities, particularly those that occur outside health facilities.
“Let us work together to ensure the success of this programme, as I believe it would transform our health system and improve the lives of countless individuals in Oyo State and Nigeria.”
Oyo State Commissioner for Health, represented by Dr Gbolahan Abbas, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, urged the VASA team to ensure that all grounds are covered.
“We know some deaths occur outside the hospital; the verbal autopsy will help get some insights into the causes of such deaths. The goal is to eradicate deaths, especially among pregnant women.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
