The National Population Commission (NPC) says it has concluded arrangements for the conduct of Verbal and Social Autopsy Study (VASA) in 11 local government areas of Gombe State.
The exercise which focus on 163 cases in 20 localities, would be carried out in collaboration between the commission and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The NPC Federal Commissioner, Abubakar Danburam, said this at a news conference on Tuesday in Gombe.
He said the survey was a follow up to the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), adding that the state recorded 163 deaths including neonates, stillbirths and children aged 29 days to 59 months.
Represented by NPC Coordinator in the state, Jude Maigari, Danburam said the survey aims to address maternal and child mortality rates by generating data to inform policy making and enhance healthcare programmes.
According to Danburam, the survey involves visiting households to collect sensitive information on deaths related to pregnancy and children aged 0 to 59 months.
He said the commission sensitised the participating communities to minimise hostility towards its personnel during the exercise.
“This is sensitive yet crucial process requires the cooperation and support of every individual and community.
“We recognise the importance of maintaining traditional values while promoting communal support and facilitating activities such as VASA initiatives.
“We appeal to our esteemed leaders to lend their voices in support of this effort, encouraging communities to welcome interviewers and actively participate in the process.
“Their involvement will help ensure that this study is well-received, and the information gathered accurately reflects the experiences and challenges,” he said.
NAN
