NPC begins 2019 VASA survey on under-five children

The National Population Commission (NPC) has commenced a 2019 Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) survey for policy makers.

The survey, a research study, according to NPC’s Federal Commissioner in Borno State, Isa Buratai, seeks to obtain data on the causes of deaths among children below the age of five.

He said the NPC, in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), would be conducting the survey to assist policy makers to plan and formulate policies.

He said: “This survey is to determine cultural behaviour, social and health system factors of neonatal, infant and under-five mortality, using the 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) households.

“It will, among others, provide national and zonal level estimates of major causes of under-five mortality between 2013 and 20218.”

The outcome of VASA survey could unveil patterns of care-seeking, social factors and interventions received, as they relate to deaths among children.”

He said the survey would provide policy makers with qualitative narratives on the factors associated with these patterns.