……………Says providing valuable information to curb menace non-negotiable.
FIC Report (Osun State) – The Federal Commissioner, representing Osun State at the National Population Commission, NPC, Dr. Amidu Raheem Tadese flagged off ” 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social ) Study in Osogbo, the Osun State capital on Monday 25, 2024.
Tadese declared that no effort would be spared by the Commission to provide valuable information that would help in reducing the preventable causes of maternal and child mortality in the state.
He reiterated that the NPC would continue to partner and collaborate with relevant authorities and agencies particularly the Federal Ministry of Health, to tackle the menace.
Addressing journalists during the flag-off ceremony of 2024 Nigeria VASA Study, held at the Osun State NPC Secretariat, Osogbo, the Commissioner explained that the Study was designed to provide insights into the causes of under-five maternal deaths in the communities.
According to him, the nationwide study exercise is being carried out by the NPC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health to provide valuable information that could further shape national health policies and interventions aimed at reducing preventable deaths.
The former Osun lawmaker averred that the Study would help to collect essential data on both maternal and child mortality as it focuses on the social and health-related factors that contribute to the tragic losses in many communities.
“In Osun state, we have benefitted from the strong collaboration between the National Population Commission; Federal Ministry of Health and our valued partners to successfully implement health-related projects in the past, and we are confident that this collaboration will once again ensure success, for the VASA study while also 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, he said.
This information will empower decision-makers to address the underlying issues that lead to these unnecessary deaths and will ultimately inform policies aimed at improving maternal and child health in the state and beyond.
“Field work for this study will be conducted in selected communities throughout the state between 5th to 15th December, 2024”, said the Commissioner.
He stated that the NPC’s trained data collectors would be visiting households to conduct interviews with family members, gathering information that would help the Commission to understand the circumstances surrounding maternal and child deaths.
Tadese implored residents of the state particularly the traditional rulers and community leaders to support the Commission towards ensuring smooth, hitch-free and seamless study exercise across the selected councils in the state.
“These sensitive but essential process requires the cooperation and support of every individual and community. We recognize the vital role that traditional and community leaders play in mobilizing community support and facilitating the smooth conduct of activities like the VASA study.
“We call on our revered leaders to lend their voices in support of this study, encouraging their communities to welcome the interviewers and participate fully in the process.
“Additionally, we urge the public to cooperate with our interviewers. They are here to listen, gather and document your experiences with the utmost respect and confidentiality.
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”, Tadese appealed.
Signed
Mr Alege
FIC OSOGBO
