FG strengthens ambulance services in response to maternal mortality 287,000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2020, with nearly 95% of these deaths occurring in low and lower-middle-income countries. Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounted for around 70% of these fatalities.
In Nigeria, the federal government has taken proactive steps to address this issue by reinforcing ambulance services to improve maternal health outcomes. The government established the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) to tackle the lack of a widespread emergency response system, prioritizing rural areas with high maternal mortality rates. Building upon this initiative, the Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport program was introduced under NEMSAS to further enhance emergency medical services for pregnant women in underserved regions.
The implementation of effective ambulance services has been shown to significantly reduce maternal mortality. For instance, in Ethiopia, the utilization of ambulance services for urgent obstetric care improved institutional delivery rates and reduced maternal deaths. However, challenges such as poor infrastructure, delayed response from dispatchers, and socioeconomic factors can influence service utilization.
The Nigerian government’s efforts to reinforce ambulance services are crucial in addressing the delays that often contribute to maternal mortality. These delays include the time taken to decide to seek care, reaching appropriate care facilities, and receiving adequate care upon arrival. By improving emergency transport and response systems, these delays can be minimized, thereby reducing the risk of maternal deaths.
In addition to enhancing ambulance services, it is essential to address other factors contributing to maternal mortality, such as access to skilled health professionals during childbirth, availability of quality prenatal and postnatal care, and addressing socioeconomic barriers that prevent women from seeking timely medical attention. Comprehensive strategies that encompass these aspects, alongside improved emergency medical services, are vital for reducing maternal mortality rates in Nigeria and similar settings.
The government’s initiatives, including NEMSAS and the Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport program, represent significant strides toward improving maternal health outcomes. Continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, training of medical personnel, and community education are essential components in the ongoing efforts to reduce maternal mortality and ensure safer pregnancies and childbirths across the country.