The Federal Commissioner of the NPC in the State, Mr Muhammad Muttaka Rini stated this at a news briefing in Gusau, the Zamfara State Capital.
Mr Rini represented by a Director in the Commission Alhaji Danjuma Musa explained that, the study was a follow-up to the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey that was concluded in May 2024.
Mr Rini noted that, the round of study builds on previous efforts from 2014 and 2019 which provided valuable information that helped shape health policies and interventions is aimed at reducing preventable deaths.
“The National Population Commission NPC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health FMOH is conducting this nationwide study”
He further stated that the trained data collectors would visit households to conduct interviews with family members by gathering information that will help them understand the circumstances surrounding maternal and child deaths.
“In this VASA Study, Interviewers will be going back to the NDHS households to ask for Information that will help the government understand and plan to address the biomedical and social causes of death of children under age 5 and for women of reproductive age.
He stressed that, the study would collect essential data on both maternal and child mortality, focusing on the social and health-related factors that contribute to the tragic losses.
Mr. Rini also revealed that, the information will empower decision-makers to address the underlying issues that lead to the deaths with a view to improving maternal and child health in the state and beyond.
He explained that, the fieldwork for the study would be conducted in selected communities throughout the state which started 4th November to 15th December 2024.
“This sensitive but essential process requires the cooperation and support of every individual and community”
“We recognized the vital role that traditional and community leaders play in mobilizing community support and facilitating the smooth conduct of activities like the VASA study, encouraging their communities to welcome the interviewers and participate fully in the process”
Mr Muhammad Muttaka urged the public to cooperate with the interviewers to listen, gather and document their experiences with utmost respect and confidentiality.
