In Niger State, where maternal mortality rates are alarmingly high, a groundbreaking initiative utilizing tricycle (locally known as Keke) ambulances is transforming access to healthcare for expectant mothers. The Community-Based Emergency Transport Scheme, commonly known as the tricycle ambulance service, provides a fleet of three-wheeled vehicles to transport pregnant women from remote communities to health centers, ensuring safer deliveries.
For Rachel Jacob, a resident of Toroko Village in Gbako Local Government Area, the tricycle ambulance service proved to be a lifesaver. When she went into labor with her second child and found herself without transportation options, the tricycle ambulance swiftly arrived to transport her to the Rural Health Centre in Lemu.
Nigeria accounts for 12% of global maternal and newborn deaths, despite contributing only 6% of live births. In Niger State alone, one in every 95 women dies during pregnancy or childbirth, resulting in approximately 1,934 deaths related to obstetric issues each year, according to RAiSE Foundation, a local NGO focused on maternal and child health.
The intervention, launched by RAiSE Foundation in 2017, was in response to the challenges faced by expectant mothers in accessing healthcare during delivery, particularly in rural areas. The tricycle ambulances, resembling oversized tuk-tuks, have become vital lifelines, transporting pregnant women from remote communities to health centers for safe deliveries.
Ruth Jiya, communication officer at RAiSE Foundation, highlighted the impact of the tricycle ambulance intervention, stating, “With the tricycle ambulance intervention, which began in 2017, coupled with the distribution of delivery kits by RAiSE Foundation to expectant mothers who attained 70% antenatal care attendance at our facility, it has indeed saved a lot of lives.”
Before the introduction of the ambulance service, many pregnant women faced challenges in accessing antenatal care and delivering their babies in hospitals due to inaccessibility. However, the tricycle ambulances have transformed the situation, leading to increased antenatal care attendance and safer deliveries.
Moses Yisa, Officer-in-Charge of Rural Health Centre Lemu, attested to the positive impact of the intervention: “The rate of death of pregnant mothers and stillbirths has reduced in this facility through the help of the intervention of ambulance and mama kits (delivery kits) the foundation has been giving us.”
The success of the tricycle ambulance initiative in Lemu has spurred its expansion to other parts of Niger State, benefiting catchment areas including Beji, Doko, Fuka, and Kabogi Health Centres.
RAiSE Foundation has also provided delivery kits to over 16,000 mothers and newborns within 24 hours of delivery, ensuring access to essential medical care. Furthermore, their intervention has facilitated immunization for more than 10,000 infants against vaccine-preventable diseases.
The tricycle ambulances have proven to be a lifeline for pregnant women in remote communities, bridging the gap in healthcare access and significantly reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates in Niger State. This innovative initiative stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring safer deliveries and brighter futures for mothers and their babies.
Source: Gavi