In a landmark effort to reduce maternal and child mortality rates in Nigeria’s underserved regions, the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), in collaboration with the Delta State Government, has launched the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT), initiative.
The NEMSAS team, led by Dr. Emuren Doubra, outlined the objectives and structure of the initiative during a visit to Delta State officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu.
Dr. Doubra emphasized that this collaboration fits within the federal government’s broader healthcare reforms led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
The program aims to ensure that even Nigeria’s most isolated communities have a pathway to critical maternal and child health services.
“This program specifically targets rural communities, providing essential emergency medical transport to pregnant women and children in need of urgent care.”
Nigeria’s push toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being faces challenges, particularly in rural areas where the lack of accessible healthcare leads to high maternal and infant mortality rates.
The RESMAT initiative aims to tackle these barriers, prioritizing timely intervention for pregnant women and infants by deploying tricycle and boat ambulances tailored to remote, difficult-to-reach areas. This new infrastructure addresses delays in emergency transport, enabling faster medical response and potentially saving numerous lives.
Dr. Emuren voiced Delta State’s commitment to supporting the RESMAT initiative, pledging that the state would engage key stakeholders to optimize the program’s outreach and sustainability.
Meanwhile, Dr. Emuren and Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, Delta State’s Commissioner for Health, have worked together to tailor the program to local realities, considering the state’s topography and the logistical needs of rural communities.
Additionally, Permanent Secretary of the Delta State Ministry of Health, Dr. Philomena Okeowo, stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration and rapid mobilization to expedite the program’s rollout.
“With Delta State already possessing a basic Emergency Medical Service structure, efforts are underway to align this framework with NEMSAS standards to ensure a seamless transition, effective communication systems, and personnel prepared to operate the new service.
“As NEMSAS continues to develop emergency medical services nationwide, the RESMAT initiative highlights a focused strategy to address the persistent healthcare access gaps in rural areas.
“By introducing dedicated emergency transport and healthcare support, the program takes a vital step toward equitable healthcare, setting a new standard for maternal and child health in Nigeria’s rural communities.”
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