In a groundbreaking initiative to improve access to medical emergency services, the Ogun State Government has partnered with Emergency Response Africa to develop a technology-driven medical emergency service. This service focuses on providing pregnant mothers and infants with fast and reliable medical emergency response, aiming to transform emergency and maternal health services in the state. The partnership will ensure sustained access to comprehensive and high-quality emergency obstetric care (EmOC) for Ogun State residents through training, technology, and transportation.
Nigeria’s maternal and child mortality rates are among the highest globally, with 1,047 maternal deaths per 100,000 births (2020) and 67 infant deaths per 1,000 births. The 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) and the NDHIS 2018 for Ogun State revealed a state-level Maternal Mortality Ratio of 179 per 100,000 live births and an Infant Mortality Ratio, and Under-5 Mortality Ratio of 68/1000, 85/1000 live births respectively. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure and emergency services, particularly for maternal and infant health.
“This launch is an important step in our efforts as the Ogun State Government to reduce maternal mortality. Research shows that when a mother dies during or shortly after childbirth, her baby is 50 times more likely to die within the first month of life than a baby whose mother survived. And when a mother dies, there are long-lasting ripple effects on man of the house and her immediate community. When you save one woman’s life, we save the entire community within which they exist. We are proud to partner with Emergency Response Africa and the Novartis Foundation on this pilot project. Save a woman, save a family, save our community, save our nation!” said Dr. Tomi Coker, Commissioner for Health, Ogun State.
To address these critical healthcare challenges, this project aims to implement a technology-driven Community-Based First Responder program. This initiative will revamp the state’s emergency response system by establishing a technology-driven command center and enhancing ambulance services. Additionally, the project seeks to improve maternal healthcare through the provision of advanced emergency obstetric care (EmOC).
The project will utilize USSD and SMS-based dispatch solutions to provide fast and efficient medical emergency response to pregnant mothers and infants in emergencies, thereby improving their chances of survival. It will also focus on strengthening referral channels across all levels of care through a PHC-driven first responder program, enhancing healthcare workers’ capacity, and building public health awareness. By using the emergency medical services framework to drive health insurance enrollment, the partnership aims to establish a financially sustainable model for continuous improvements in emergency services.
Through a voucher system, pregnant women will have access to free medical emergency transport services. This service will be initially available in the pilot area, Odeda Local Government, Ogun State, and will expand to other local government areas in the near future.
The project is collectively sponsored by the Novartis Foundation, the Global Fund through the Health Tech Hub Innovation Challenge, and the Ogun State Ministry of Health. The focus is on fundamentally transforming the current state of transportation services for maternal health and general medical emergency response through innovative, technology-driven solutions. By integrating these services with the Ogun State Health Insurance Agency, the initiative will provide access to essential healthcare while ensuring long-term sustainability.
