The Federal Government, in partnership with the Kwara State Government, has engaged the services of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in transporting pregnant women in labour to healthcare facilities.
The programme is part of the government’s Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative.
Speaking to the press, the National Coordinator of MAMII, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, highlighted that delays, especially transportation problems, has majorly contributed to several maternal mortalities in Nigeria.
Revealing that the highest cases of maternal deaths are recorded in two local government areas in Kwara, he emphasised the need for such an initiative to curb the negative trend.
He stated that the government decided to employ a sector-wide approach to eradicate such issues, and it is set to decrease maternal mortality across the country.
“There will be five NURTW per ward to cater for the transportation of pregnant mothers, who are in labour or distress. The transportation vouchers have been distributed to the pregnant women to help them access the services.
When pregnant women in distress call the number of the vehicles, it will be deployed promptly and for free. Delay in getting to a healthcare facility is dangerous to pregnant mothers. The government has designated healthcare facilities where women can also have a Caesarean section for free. For every woman who will have a delivery, there is a mama-kit for them,” he said.
Reacting, the Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, praised the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for its commitment to saving the lives of Nigerian mothers and infants.
El-Imam also applauded the state government’s utmost dedication to the health sector, explaining that CS is currently free in designated health facilities, including the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, and Ayisha Buhari Mother and Child Hospital.
She concluded by warning her fellow women against giving birth at home, stressing that healthcare facilities will always be the best option for safe delivery.
