In a decisive move to confront preventable maternal and newborn deaths, the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) has launched its SAVEMAMA initiative in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State, with firm backing from the Federal Government to provide free emergency transportation for pregnant women and newborns.
The initiative, unveiled during a stakeholders’ engagement and community sensitisation programme in Ibeju-Lekki, targets one of the most critical drivers of maternal mortality in rural communities, delays in reaching health facilities during obstetric emergencies.
At the heart of the intervention is its integration with the Federal Government’s National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), and the MAAMI project, which guarantees free emergency medical transport and initial stabilisation care for patients in critical conditions, including pregnant women and newborns.
The National Programme Manager of NEMSAS, Dr. Doubra Emuren, described the collaboration as a strategic step toward bridging longstanding gaps in emergency maternal healthcare delivery.
He noted that while health facilities may exist in many communities, transportation barriers, poor referral coordination, and delayed response systems often result in tragic outcomes.
“Timely access to skilled care is the difference between life and death in obstetric emergencies. By aligning SAVEMAMA with the national emergency ambulance framework, we are ensuring that no pregnant woman is left stranded when complications arise,” he said.
Medical Officer of Health for Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Agboola Abidemi Christy, urged expectant mothers across the area to take full advantage of the free service.
“This initiative is designed to save lives by ensuring that no pregnant woman or newborn faces delays in reaching medical care due to transportation challenges,” she said. “We encourage all expectant mothers to utilize this free service without hesitation. Your health and that of your baby are our priority.”
During the sensitisation session, participants were taken through practical steps for accessing the service, including dedicated short codes and emergency communication channels that trigger rapid response and transport to the nearest appropriate facility equipped to handle obstetric or neonatal complications.
Health experts at the event highlighted that transportation challenges represent the second of the globally recognised “three delays” responsible for maternal deaths: delay in deciding to seek care, delay in reaching care, and delay in receiving adequate care at health facilities. They noted that SAVEMAMA directly addresses the second delay by providing structured, reliable, and coordinated emergency transport services.
Lagos State health representatives reaffirmed government commitment to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality through strengthened primary healthcare systems, improved referral networks, skilled birth attendance, and emergency obstetric care.
Nigeria continues to face one of the highest maternal mortality burdens globally, with rural communities disproportionately affected due to limited access to skilled care and emergency services. Stakeholders stressed that community-driven models such as SAVEMAMA are essential complements to broader federal and state health reforms.
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RESMAT officials said the Ibeju-Lekki rollout marks the beginning of a broader scale-up strategy to expand the maternal transport system to other high-need rural communities across Lagos State and potentially other parts of the country.
As the event ended, participants emphasised that safe motherhood requires collective responsibility, from families and traditional leaders to health workers and policymakers, and that ensuring rapid access to emergency care is a critical step toward ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
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