By Bukola Olamona

The National Population Commission (NPC) has identified 13 out of the 18 Local Government areas (LGAs) in Ondo State as focal points for addressing the rising cases of child and maternal deaths.

This was disclosed on Tuesday during a press briefing in Akure by Mr Ayodeji Ajayi, the NPC National Commissioner for Ekiti State, who was represented by Mrs Olayinka Chijioke, the NPC Director for Ondo State. Ajayi highlighted the Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) study and the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (ECRVS) system as critical steps in tackling these challenges.

The selected LGAs are Akoko North-East, Akoko South-West, Owo, Akure South, Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, Ondo West, Idanre, Odigbo, Ifedore, Êse-Odo, Okitipupa, Irele, and Ilaje. These areas were chosen for their strategic importance in addressing the root causes of maternal and child deaths.

According to Ajayi, the VASA study aims to uncover the social and biomedical factors contributing to under-five and maternal mortality. “This effort builds on data from the 2014 and 2019 studies, providing insights that have informed health policies and interventions,” he said.

The project, implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, complements the recently concluded 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). “We will revisit NDHS households to gather additional information that will help in addressing preventable deaths among women of reproductive age and children under five,” Ajayi explained.

Fieldwork for the study is scheduled to run from November 4 to December 15 across the selected LGAs. The initiative is currently ongoing in Osun State and will soon move to Ondo. Trained data collectors will visit households, conducting interviews to gather critical information about the circumstances surrounding these deaths.

Ajayi also highlighted the rollout of the E-CRVS system, a digital initiative designed to replace the outdated paper-based method of recording vital events. In partnership with UNICEF, the platform aims to register over 238,000 unregistered children under five across Ondo State.

“With 986 trained ad-hoc staff, we are ensuring that no child is left unregistered. This digital system is a game-changer for tracking and analyzing vital statistics,” Ajayi said.

Ajayi appealed to community leaders, traditional rulers, and residents for their cooperation. “Your support is crucial. This study is for our collective good, aimed at securing a healthier future for mothers and children in Ondo State.”

The NPC urged residents to welcome the interviewers, assuring them of the confidentiality of the data collected. “By sharing your experiences, you contribute to a project that could save countless lives in our communities,” Ajayi added.

The NPC reiterated its commitment to using data-driven policies to combat maternal and child mortality. With Ondo State recording significant successes in its initial efforts, the VASA and E-CRVS initiatives are poised to make a lasting impact on the state’s healthcare system.