The National Population Commission (NPC), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) and supported by USAID, has launched a new initiative focused on Safer Motherhood in Nigeria. The 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) Study will collect data from selected households to identify the causes of maternal and child mortality. NPC Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, highlighted that this data will guide policies and improve health outcomes for Nigeria’s vulnerable populations.
Data Collection for Safer Motherhood
The Safer Motherhood initiative uses the 2024 VASA Study to expand on the findings from the 2014 and 2019 studies. By including comprehensive data on maternal and under-five deaths, the initiative aims to address preventable deaths through policy and system improvements. Kwarra noted that NPC’s collaboration with national agencies like the National Bureau of Statistics and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control enhances the study’s effectiveness, ensuring well-rounded and precise data collection.
The study’s insights will allow decision-makers to develop targeted health interventions that better support maternal and child health across the nation.
Effective Partnerships for Safer Motherhood
Kwarra emphasized that Safer Motherhood depends on coordinated efforts among agencies and government bodies. He acknowledged the support of state health ministries and urged their full participation to ensure smooth data collection. Collaborative efforts, he stated, are essential for solving complex issues like maternal and child mortality.
He appealed to field interviewers to approach their tasks with professionalism and respect, especially when working with families affected by loss. He reminded them that their work contributes directly to saving lives and improving healthcare for mothers and children.
Challenges to Safer Motherhood in Nigeria
Professor Alice Romokek Nte from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital noted that maternal and child mortality remain high in Nigeria due to factors such as poverty, infections, and malnutrition. She urged stakeholders to address these root causes to reduce mortality rates and improve outcomes.
She emphasized that without addressing these core issues, Nigeria’s health metrics will continue to lag behind global standards.
Respecting Cultural Sensitivities in Data Collection
A representative from the Ministry of Health advised interviewers to respect cultural practices and beliefs during data collection. Adhering to cultural norms will help ensure cooperation from participants, ultimately leading to more accurate and reliable data for study.
Kwarra also appealed to participating households for their cooperation, underscoring that reliable data is crucial for meaningful health improvements.
Conclusion
The NPC and Health Ministry’s Safer Motherhood initiative is a critical step toward reducing maternal and child mortality in Nigeria. To explore documents and resources that support maternal health and data-driven healthcare policy, visit genderpedia.ng/shop for further insights.
