The United Nations Children’s Fund
(UNICEF), on Wednesday handed over six ambulance boats to the Bayelsa State Government in a bid to improve healthcare and emergency response services in riverine communities living in far-flung areas.
The ambulance boats, funded by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), are equipped with medical amenities and staffed with healthcare personnel trained to provide swift and effective emergency medical assistance, transport patients, including pregnant women in labor and newborns, to medical facilities, and facilitate immunization outreach programs.
Ms. Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, emphasised the significance of the provision of the ambulance boats, stating, “The provision of these ambulance boats represents a critical step towards ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to lifesaving healthcare services. These boats will not only serve as a means of transportation for patients but also function as platforms for delivering essential healthcare interventions, such as immunizations, antenatal care, and health education, directly to those in need.”.
His Excellency Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting the importance of the initiative in safeguarding the lives of mothers, children, and vulnerable populations across Bayelsa. He stated, “These boats will not only ensure timely medical interventions but also fortify our resolve to provide equitable healthcare services, irrespective of geographical barriers. Together, we are navigating towards a brighter, healthier future for every citizen of Bayelsa State.”
The initiative aligns with the priorities of the Federal Ministry of Health as expressed in the Nigeria Health Renewal Investment Initiative, aiming to make the health system more equitable and efficient, reduce the number of children who have not received any vaccine, and improve immunization coverage. The delivery of the ambulance boats is part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2022 between the Bayelsa State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Governors Forum, GAVI, and UNICEF to improve routine immunization and primary healthcare systems and reduce loss of life, particularly among women and children.
