Emergency Response Africa (ERA), in collaboration with the Ogun State Government, has introduced the Rural Maternal Health Emergency Transportation (R-MHET) service, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at saving the lives of pregnant women and infants. This program addresses the urgent need for accessible emergency obstetric care in rural communities, where healthcare infrastructure and timely access are significant challenges.
Objectives of the R-MHET Program
The R-MHET service is designed to:
- Reduce maternal mortality by ensuring timely access to healthcare facilities during emergencies.
- Increase access to life-saving emergency care for pregnant women and infants in rural areas, where delays in seeking help often lead to preventable deaths.
According to the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) and the NDHIS 2018, Ogun State has a maternal mortality ratio of 179 per 100,000 live births and an infant mortality ratio of 68 per 1,000 live births. These alarming statistics highlight the critical need for improved healthcare access.
How the R-MHET Program Works
The initiative integrates cutting-edge technology with emergency services to provide an efficient response to maternal health crises. Key features include:
- USSD and SMS-based dispatch systems to mobilize trained Community-Based First Responders.
- Free emergency transportation for pregnant women through a voucher system.
- Additional transport services for antenatal care (ANC) appointments to mitigate risks of emergencies.
The program will initially launch in Odeda Local Government Area, with plans for expansion across Ogun State.
Leadership Insights
Dr. Tomi Coker, Ogun State’s Commissioner for Health, emphasized the initiative’s significance, stating, “When a mother dies, her child is 50 times more likely to die within the first month of life. This initiative is critical to our strategy to reduce maternal mortality and protect community futures.”
Folake Owodunni, CEO of Emergency Response Africa, added, “Our partnership with the Ogun State Government on the R-MHET service will help save more than 1,000 lives by ensuring pregnant women can reach healthcare facilities during emergencies.”
Support and Future Plans
This project is supported by the Novartis Foundation and the Global Fund through the Health Tech Hub Innovation Challenge. By connecting emergency transport services with the Ogun State Health Insurance Agency, the initiative aims to create a financially sustainable model that can be replicated across Nigeria, paving the way for long-term improvements in maternal and emergency healthcare.
Conclusion
The R-MHET initiative represents a vital step toward enhancing healthcare access for vulnerable populations in Ogun State. By addressing the barriers to timely medical care, ERA and the Ogun State Government are committed to saving lives and fostering healthier communities.