NPC Commences Mortality Survey in Taraba

From Faruk Bamalli, Jalingo
 
The National Population Commission (NPC) has commenced the 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy study in Taraba state.
 
Alhaji Sanny Sule Sale, Commissioner of the commission, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Jalingo on Wednesday.
 
He said the survey was intended to understand the social and cultural factors surrounding under-5 maternal death and improve health outcomes.
 
Sanny Sule explained that the survey was an important health initiative that will have an impact on the well-being of mothers and children in the state and the country in general.
 
“The current survey being conducted by the National Population Commission in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health will provide valuable information that will help shape health policies and interventions aimed at reducing preventable deaths in the state,” Sanny Sule said.
 
He disclosed that teams from the Commission are visiting communities in various local government areas, interviewing family members and caregivers of deceased individuals.
 
“The team will gather information on symptoms, medical history of the deceased, and circumstances surrounding their deaths.
 
“The data gathered will be analyzed to give probable cause of death. The social autopsy study will also examine the social, cultural, and economic factors contributing to deaths in our communities,” he further stated.
 
The commissioner also revealed that 144,581 newly born babies were issued with birth certificates from September to November this year in the 16 government areas of the state, adding that the issuance of certificates was supported by UNICEF, which also set a target NPC.
 
He, however, lauded Taraba state governor Agbu Kefas for his support and commitment to the success of Survey.