Transforming Health Data into Actionable Policies
The Kano State Surveillance for Evidence and Policy (KASSEP) initiative is a groundbreaking project designed to address critical gaps in health data and vital statistics within Kano State, Nigeria. By focusing on reducing maternal mortality and stillbirths while improving overall health outcomes, KASSEP aims to establish a robust Sample Registration System (SRS). Integrating methodologies like Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) and minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS), this system ensures comprehensive insights into biological, social, and cultural determinants of maternal and child health outcomes. Source: WHO Maternal Mortality Fact Sheet
The study employed a mixed methods approach to establish a sample registration system (SRS) that was named Kano State Surveillance for Evidence and Policy (KASSEP) in the LGAs of Kano state. The team coordinated with Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to determine the sample of households that were surveyed for selected vital events such as pregnancies, births, and deaths. The current EAs developed by the National Population Commission (NPC) were used as the sampling frame for the study. A representative sample of clusters was drawn randomly to ensure representativeness across senatorial districts, urban and rural settings. Probability proportionate to size was considered in selecting the number of EAs per LGA. Each EA served as a cluster and, according to the NPC Census of 2006, had an average household size of 30. Households in selected clusters served as SRS study units.
KASSEP responds to the urgent need for accurate, up-to-date health statistics in Kano State, a region facing high maternal and child mortality rates compounded by systemic challenges such as poverty and inaccessible healthcare in rural areas. Through its SRS platform, KASSEP enables retrospective analysis of historical data and prospective surveillance for tracking health trends. These efforts align Kano State’s strategies with global targets, including Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1, which aims to reduce maternal mortality to 70 per 100,000 live births. Source: UN SDG 3
Collaboration is central to KASSEP’s success. The initiative is engaging with key stakeholders, including the state government, the State Emirate Council, Yusuf Maitama Sule University, the National and State Bureau of Statistics, and the National Population Commission (NPC), ensuring that the project is integrated into broader health, demographic, and policy frameworks. Additionally, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation serves as a core sponsor, providing critical support to drive the success of this initiative. This collaborative approach strengthens Kano State's capacity to monitor and respond to public health challenges while setting a foundation for scaling this model across Nigeria. Sustainability and state ownership are embedded in KASSEP’s framework, ensuring long-term adaptability and impact.
The KASSEP initiative is not just a health data project but a transformative tool for policymaking, capacity building, and health equity. With its commitment to evidence-based interventions, KASSEP is poised to redefine public health surveillance in Kano State and beyond. By shaping the future of health outcomes in Nigeria, KASSEP demonstrates the power of data-driven solutions in creating lasting change.