In a significant step towards improving maternal and child health in Nigeria, the National Population Commission ton Wednesday commenced the 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) Study in Kwara state.

This was disclosed on Wednesday November 6, 2024 during a press conference organized by the commission to raise awareness on the VASA study.

The Federal Commissioner National Population Commission in Kwara state Hon. Rasaq Folorunsho Gidado said the study, which will be conducted for twenty days in selected thirteen Local government areas, will build on the achievement of the VASA study in 2014 and 2019 which provided valuable insights into the causes of under-five death across the country.

According to him, this year’s study will expand the scope to offer comprehensive data on both under-five and maternal deaths, thereby contributing critical information that will guide decision makers at both state and national levels.

The study which will be conducted in 38 households will be conducted in collaboration with the state ministry of Health with technical support from International Children Fund ICF, and funding from thr United States Agency For International Development USAID and other partners.

The Commission urged critical stakeholders to work together with the Commission to ensure that the fieldwork proceeds smoothly across the selected Local government. The thirteen Local government selected for the VASA survey are Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Ilorin South Asa, Mooro, Ifelodun, Ekiti, Offa and Patigi. Others are, Edu, Kaiama, Oyun and Baruteen Local Goverment areas in Kwara state.