Health

UNICEF Contributes Six Ambulance Boats to Bayelsa’s Healthcare Fleet

Written by Jerry Alomatu on May 1, 2024

News Views: 56

UNICEF has stepped up its efforts to bolster healthcare and emergency response services in remote riverine communities of Bayelsa State by providing six ambulance boats, generously funded by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation.

These boats, equipped with essential medical amenities and staffed by trained healthcare personnel, are poised to deliver swift and effective emergency medical assistance. They will not only facilitate the transportation of patients, including pregnant women in labor and newborns, to medical facilities but also play a pivotal role in supporting immunisation outreach programs.

Cristian Munduate, the UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, underscored the critical significance of these ambulance boats in improving survival rates for women and children in Bayelsa State. With alarming statistics indicating high infant mortality rates and limited access to maternal healthcare, the provision of these boats comes as a timely intervention.

Munduate emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure equitable access to life-saving healthcare services, even in the most isolated communities. Beyond serving as transportation for patients, the boats will serve as platforms for delivering essential healthcare interventions directly to those in need, such as immunisation and antenatal care.

Expressing heartfelt gratitude for the donation, Munduate highlighted the profound impact these ambulance boats will have on ensuring timely medical interventions and promoting equitable healthcare access across geographical barriers.

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, echoed appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing its role in steering towards a healthier future for all citizens.

Aligned with the priorities of the Federal Ministry of Health’s Nigeria Health Renewal Investment Initiative, this initiative seeks to address healthcare disparities, improve immunisation coverage, and reduce child mortality rates.

The delivery of these ambulance boats signifies a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between Bayelsa State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Governors Forum, GAVI, and UNICEF. This collective endeavor aims to enhance routine immunisation and primary healthcare systems and ultimately reduce loss of life, particularly among women and children.