The National Population Commission (NPC) has launched a focused initiative to address maternal deaths in Ondo, identifying 13 local government areas for a comprehensive survey. The announcement was made during a briefing in Akure by NPC National Commissioner for Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodeji Ajayi.
This initiative, part of the Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) survey, seeks to uncover biomedical and social factors contributing to under-five and maternal deaths in Ondo communities. The project is supported by the Federal Ministry of Health, ICF, and Johns Hopkins University.
Targeted LGAs for Study
The survey focuses on 13 LGAs, including:
- Akoko North-East
- Akoko South-West
- Owo
- Akure South
- Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo
- Ondo West
- Idanre
- Odigbo
- Ifedore
- Êse-Odo
- Okitipupa
- Irele
- Ilaje
Purpose and Methodology
The 2024 VASA survey builds on data from 2014 and 2019, aiming to refine health policies and reduce preventable deaths. Fieldwork will run from November 4 to December 15, 2024, revisiting households identified in the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).
Trained data collectors will gather information from families to analyze the circumstances surrounding child and maternal deaths in Ondo. This effort also includes the implementation of the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistic System (E-CRVS), which digitizes vital event records like births and deaths.
Call for Public Cooperation
Ajayi appealed for community support, urging traditional rulers and residents to participate in the survey. He assured the public of confidentiality during the interviews, emphasizing the importance of accurate data in shaping health policies to address maternal deaths in Ondo.
“We need everyone’s cooperation to ensure this data collection process succeeds,” Ajayi stated.
Progress and Future Goals
The E-CRVS platform aims to register 238,169 unregistered children under five in Ondo State, reducing mortality rates through better health monitoring. A team of 986 trained ad-hoc staff, equipped with digital tools, is conducting the registration process efficiently.
Ajayi expressed optimism that these efforts will significantly reduce maternal deaths in Ondo and ensure better health outcomes for families across the state.
Conclusion
The NPC’s targeted initiative represents a crucial step in tackling maternal deaths in Ondo and improving child and maternal health. Collaborative efforts between the government, communities, and health organizations are vital for success.
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