The National Population Commission (NPC) has commenced the 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) study in Plateau to address maternal and child mortality.

Mary Afan, the NPC federal commissioner for Plateau, disclosed this at the opening of the programme in Jos on Tuesday.

She said the survey would provide insights into the causes of under-five and maternal deaths in the state.

Represented by the state director, Felicia Mwolpun, Ms Afan said the study, conducted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, would improve maternal and child health in Plateau.

According to her, the study will build on previous studies carried out between 2014 and 2019.

“These studies provided valuable information that shaped health policies and interventions to reduce preventable deaths.

“The 2024 VASA study is a follow-up to the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) that was concluded in May,” she said.

She said that during the VASA study, field workers would revisit NDHS households to get information about the biomedical and social causes of death of children under five and women of reproductive age.

The NPC official said the data generated from the field would empower decision-makers to address the underlying causes of the deaths.

“The data will help to make informed policies aimed at improving maternal and child health in the state,” she said.

Ms Afan urged community leaders to encourage their people to actively participate in the exercise by cooperating with the field personnel.

“The information gathered will reflect the experiences and challenges within the communities; they will be documented with the utmost sense of respect and confidentiality.

“Thirty-four identified clusters in 16 local government areas of the state will be visited. The exercise will end on December 15,” she said.

(NAN)