LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Federal Government through its National Emergency Medical and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) has projected that by the end of 2025, an estimated 1.7 million pregnant women dwelling in rural areas across 15 selected states across the country would have access to rural emergency and maternal transportation services.
The National Programme Manager, NEMSAS, Dr Saidu Ahmed Dumbulwa, made this announcement in Damaturu at stakeholders’ engagement ahead of the implementation of the project in Yobe State.
Dr. Saidu represented by Ahmed Lawan-Tijjani, a NEMSAS Resource Person, the National Programme Manager of NEMSAS explained that the exercise is geared towards demand-driven generation, behavioural change and strengthening governance.
He emphasized on the importance of the state government tapping into the programme which will enhance promoting maternal health and checking morbidity rate.
According to him, “The state government already has Yobe State Emergency Medical and Ambulance Services, so now, we are looking at how we will collaborate to avert the delays in providing health emergencies to improve the indices of the state.
READ ALSO:NDLEA Nabs Pregnant Woman, Others With N3.2m Fake Naira
Yobe State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana disclosed the move by the Federal Government to complement the steps taken by the State Governor, Hon Mai Mala Buni, in his quest to provide Universal Healthcare coverage in the state.
The project is also in partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NUTRW) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) among other relevant agencies to ensure the lives of pregnant mothers are protected against maternal deaths, especially in rural areas.
Furthermore, Abdullahi Danchuwa, Executive Secretary, Yobe State Emergency Medical and Ambulance Services, said that the Agency is currently operating in 8 local government areas and hope to expand their horizon within 13 LGAs of the state.
According to him, “We have responded to over 1,000 lives since inception to date with 14 deaths, cumulative, we have responded to 95 percent incidences. Currently, we are operating in 8 LGAs but are hopeful of expanding our horizons across 13 LGAs of the state.”
TRIBUNE
