NPC starts gathering information on causes of death for children under five

The National Population Commission (NPC) has commenced data collection on the
causes and factors responsible for deaths in children under five years of age, and in women of reproductive age.

The project, which is under the 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) Study, is aimed at providing an up-to-date information on early childhood and maternal mortality, as well as investigate cultural, behavioural, social, and health system factors contributing to neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality.

Chairman of the NPC, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra told newsmen in Abuja that the study would be conducted in households where deaths were recorded and consent received during the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS).

Kwarra disclosed that a total of 4,879 cases, including 2,537 under-five mortality cases, have been selected for this comprehensive study.

Recalled that the 2024 VASA study is the third in the series conducted by the NPC, following previous studies in 2014 and 2019, highlighting ongoing concerns about mortality rates in Nigeria.

The NPC chairman said the study would involve both qualitative and quantitative data collection, with 26 teams of interviewers deployed nationwide, each comprising four female interviewers, a team supervisor, and a quality manager.

He said: “The teams will collect data from November 4 to December 15, 2024, across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He emphasised the importance of generating reliable data to combat high under-5 mortality rates in Nigeria, which stand at 110 deaths per 1,000 births, according to the 2023-2024 NDHS.

Kwarra expressed gratitude for the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other stakeholders, urging local government officials, community leaders, and the media to promote the survey and encourage public participation.

“As the NPC embarks on this critical initiative, the hope is that the findings will lead to impactful policies and programmes that significantly reduce neonatal, child, and maternal mortality rates in Nigeria.”, he added.