LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
admin By Ebube Ojukwu
The National Population Commission (NPC), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare launched the 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy Study (VASA) to tackle neonate, children and adult female mortality in Lagos State.
The 2024 VASA Study is a follow up to the 2023-2024 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey that was conducted in May, to help the government understand and take necessary steps to address the biomedical and social causes of death among children under the age of 5 and women of reproductive age.
Federal commissioner representing Lagos State, Mrs. Saidat Olayinka-Oladunjoye, said the study will collect essential data on both maternal and child mortality, focusing on the social and health-related factors that contribute to these tragic losses.
She noted that the data collected will empower decision makers to address the underlying issues that leads to these deaths, and will ultimately inform polices aimed at improving maternal and child health in the state and beyond.
Mrs. Olayinka-Oladunjoye urged the public to cooperate and work with the VASA Study interviewers who conduct fieldwork in selected communities throughout the state.
She added: “They are here to listen, gather and document your experiences with the utmost respect and confidentiality, the collaboration and support of every resident is crucial for the success of the study.
“In sharing your experiences and welcoming our data collection teams, you are contributing directly to a project aimed at preventing unnecessary losses in our communities and securing a healthier future for our families.”
VASA coordinator Mrs. Samiat Lawal lamented that 39 fatalities were recorded across 25 clusters in 14 local government areas during an initial study.
She stressed that the Verbal Autopsy Study is a critical step towards addressing the alarming rate of infant and maternal mortality in the community.
“By shedding light on the underlying causes, we can work towards creating a more supportive environment for expectant mothers, new mothers and their families. Our goal is to ensure that every life is valued and every death is investigated to prevent future tragedies,” she added.
