In a bid to enhance healthcare access and emergency response services in remote riverine communities of Bayelsa State, UNICEF has donated six ambulance boats to the state government. Funded by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), these boats come equipped with medical facilities and staffed by trained healthcare personnel.
Their purpose is to provide swift and efficient medical assistance, transport patients, including pregnant women and newborns, to medical facilities, and facilitate immunization outreach programs.
With alarming statistics showing nearly 100 out of every 1000 children not surviving to their fifth birthday, and infant mortality and maternal health care receiving significant attention, these ambulance boats couldn’t have come at a better time. Ms. Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, emphasized the critical role these boats play in ensuring even the most remote communities have access to life-saving healthcare services. Not only do they serve as transportation for patients, but they also act as platforms for delivering essential healthcare interventions directly to those in need.
Expressing gratitude for the donation, His Excellency Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, highlighted the significance of this initiative in safeguarding the lives of mothers, children, and vulnerable populations across the state. He stressed the importance of equitable healthcare services, regardless of geographical barriers, in paving the way towards a healthier future for every citizen of Bayelsa State.
This initiative aligns with the priorities of the Federal Ministry of Health, aiming to make the health system more equitable and efficient, increase immunization coverage, and reduce the number of children who have not received any vaccine. It also forms part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2022 between various stakeholders to improve routine immunization and primary healthcare systems, ultimately reducing loss of life, particularly among women and children.