The National Population Commission (NPC) has officially 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—Onitsha North, Ayamelum, Nnewi South, and Orumba South—were excluded from the study due to their impressive records of low maternal and child deaths in previous surveys.
Speaking at the launch in Awka, the Federal Commissioner representing Anambra State, Chidi Ezeoke, represented by the State Director of NPC, Dr. Kingsley Okereke, commended the progress made in the excluded LGAs. He emphasized the importance of the VASA study in identifying social and health-related factors contributing to maternal and child mortality.
“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,” Ezeoke said.
The study, which began on November 4, 2024, will run until December 15, 2024, covering 17 selected local government areas in the state. The NPC is implementing the study in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health as part of a nationwide initiative to improve maternal and child health.
