For many pregnant women in rural communities of Kwami Local Government Area in Gombe State, reaching a health facility during emergencies has often been a race against time—complicated by distance, poor roads, and lack of transport.But that reality is gradually changing
At a recent community sensitization held in Malam Sidi, hope came alive as expectant mothers gathered to learn about the Save Mama Initiative, a Federal Government-backed programme designed to provide free emergency transport for pregnant women and newborns.
The sensitization, organized by the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), is part of efforts to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, particularly in underserved rural communities.
Under the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) scheme, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that pregnant women have timely access to healthcare facilities during emergencies—at no cost.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy State Coordinator of Gombe SEMSAS, Muhammad Ahmed, explained that delays in reaching health facilities remain a major cause of maternal and neonatal deaths.
He noted that the programme is designed to bridge that gap by providing reliable emergency transport services, while also educating women on the importance of birth preparedness and recognizing danger signs during pregnancy.
“We want every pregnant woman to know that help is available within her community,” he said, emphasizing the need for strong community support systems to ensure prompt referrals and access to skilled care.
Facilitators at the meeting further described the maternal transport programme as a critical intervention in improving healthcare delivery in rural areas, ensuring that no woman or newborn is left behind due to transportation challenges.
Participants, drawn from various wards in Malam Sidi, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that the information shared would positively influence their health-seeking behaviour and readiness for safe delivery.
Beyond awareness, the programme is also focused on empowering women with knowledge and encouraging them to take full advantage of the available services.
With initiatives like Save Mama gaining ground, stakeholders say communities like Kwami are beginning to witness a shift—where access to timely care could mean the difference between life and death for mothers and their newborns.