NPC, FMOH Assess Success of VASA Study in Jigawa

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The National Population Commission (NPC) in Jigawa State has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) Study, currently underway to address issues surrounding maternal and child mortality rates.

Speaking on behalf of NPC, Alhaji Garba Zakar, the NPC Federal Commissioner for Jigawa, acknowledged the ongoing efforts and collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) to identify the social and medical factors linked to high maternal and child mortality rates. Represented by the NPC State Director, Alhaji Kassim D. Muhammad, Zakar detailed how the study, launched on November 4, is being conducted across 23 local government areas in Jigawa, organized into 34 clusters for more accurate and effective data collection.

“The National Population Commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, began this 2024 VASA Study nationwide, including here in Jigawa State,” said Alhaji Zakar. “The exercise targets 23 local government areas, organized into 34 clusters, to uncover the causes of maternal and child mortality across the communities.”

The VASA Study, Alhaji Zakar explained, serves as a follow-up to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted in 2023-2024. The survey revisits households from the NDHS to collect new data that will allow the government to address biomedical and social factors behind the deaths of children under five and women of reproductive age. The findings are expected to play a critical role in shaping health policies and interventions aimed at preventing such deaths.

In Jigawa, the NPC and FMOH have partnered successfully in the past with state agencies, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders, resulting in multiple impactful health projects. “We are confident that this collaboration will once again ensure the success of the VASA Study,” he added.

The current phase of the study is expected to continue until December 15, covering selected communities throughout the state. Alhaji Zakar praised the support of the state government, local partners, and community leaders and called on all residents to participate fully for the success of the initiative.