The Kwara State Government has launched the Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) programme to combat maternal and newborn mortality, particularly in rural areas.
The initiative was formally launched this week at the Ilorin East Local Government Secretariat. It aims to eliminate preventable deaths by addressing delays in accessing emergency obstetric and neonatal care.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam—represented by the Director of Medical Services and Training, Dr. Musiliu Odunaiya—explained that RESMAT is designed to strengthen emergency referrals in hard-to-reach communities. She noted that many maternal deaths are caused by transportation barriers and delays in receiving care.
“This programme is focused on reducing the avoidable delays that often result in maternal and newborn deaths. No woman or child should suffer or die because they cannot get to a health facility in time,” she said.
Ilorin East Local Government Chairman, Mallam Garuba Olayinka Agbelere, praised the initiative as a major stride in improving maternal health at the grassroots level. He also acknowledged the contributions of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for consistently prioritizing maternal health and releasing counterpart funds to sustain health programmes in the state.
Agbelere expressed appreciation for the dedication of health workers, stakeholders, and transport unions, urging them to remain committed to the success of RESMAT. He also called on transporters to treat pregnant women with care and professionalism during emergencies.
Dr. Arigidi Stephen, the State Coordinator of RESMAT, explained that the programme targets the elimination of the “three delays” often faced by pregnant women: delays in deciding to seek care, delays in reaching healthcare facilities, and delays in receiving adequate treatment upon arrival.
He emphasized the importance of antenatal care and announced that pregnant women in Ilorin East can now access free delivery and newborn care services under the programme. Facilities offering Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC) include the Primary Health Care Centres at Magaji Aare, Okesuna, Okelele, and the Modern PHC at Oke-Ose.
Also speaking at the event, a representative of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Wahab Ajetunmobi, pledged the union’s support for the safe and timely transport of expectant mothers. He affirmed the NURTW’s commitment to ensuring that transportation does not stand in the way of life-saving care for women and infants.
