The National Population Commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, embarked on a Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) survey to check preventable deaths of children under five years and women of reproductive age.

Alex Ukam, the federal commissioner of NPC in Cross River, said at the launch of the survey on Thursday in Calabar that the present round of VASA is in continuation of previous efforts from 2014 and 2019 to provide valuable information that would shape health policies aimed at reducing preventable deaths.

Mr Ukam said it was also a follow-up to the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) concluded in May 2024.

According to him, the survey will collect essential data on both maternal and child mortality, focusing on the social and health-related factors
that contribute to these tragic losses.

He added that “information gathered from the survey will empower decision-makers to address the underlying issues that lead to these
deaths and will ultimately inform policies to improve maternal and child health in Cross River and beyond.

The commissioner, therefore, urged traditional rulers in the various communities where the study would be conducted to support the field officers and encouraged communities to participate in the process.

He said the interviewers and field officers would listen, gather and document experiences with utmost respect and confidentiality, adding that the process would secure a healthier future for families.

Stanley Itam, the NPC director in Cross River, noted that although the study would take place in 16 local government areas of the state,
it would also reflect on the situation in Obanliku and Bakassi local government areas that were not picked.

Mr Itam thanked the government of Cross River for collaborating with NPC, noting that past partnerships had resulted in the successful implementation of various health-related projects.

(NAN)