Motorcycle ambulances to cut pregnancy related deaths

Motor bike ambulances have been introduced in Tana River County that ferry expectant women to the hospital thereby saving lives.

TANA RIVER COUNTY: A village may have figured out a way to cut down the number of deaths caused by pregnancy related complications. They have introduced motor bike ambulances to ferry expectant women to hospital.

"Giving birth is a pleasant experience in most Kenyan families. But this has not been the case in some remote villages," said St John Ambulance Chairman Major Marsden Madoka.

According to a United Nations study, Kenya loses 15 women and 290 children daily due to pregnancy related difficulties.

Wayu Boro village has been losing pregnant women due to lack of transport to hospital.

"Many women deliver by the roadside. Those who are not lucky end up dying," said Hassan Dumo, a resident.

According to the UN, about 35 per cent of all newborn deaths happen as a result of severe infection. About 66 per cent of deaths are caused by pneumonia and diarrhoea. More than 34,000 stillbirths happen annually.

AMBITIOUS PLAN

Since 1990 the UN has been working to reduce the maternal mortality ratio by three-quarters and to achieve universal access to reproductive health.

It hopes to reach the three-quarter mark by 2015.  Globally, maternal mortality declined by 47 per cent in the last two decades.

It says most maternal deaths in developing countries are preventable through adequate nutrition, proper healthcare, including access to family planning, the presence of a skilled birth attendant during delivery and emergency obstetric care.

Perhaps this is the reason St John Ambulance is embarking on an ambitious plan to bring down rising maternal deaths.

Through the motorcycle ambulances, the organisation says thousands of expectant women, mostly in marginalised areas, will be able to access healthcare without challenges.

 TRAGIC ORDEALS

"The tragic ordeals women go through during their pregnancies have prompted us to launch this crucial ambulance service that will work despite the poor roads in the area," said St John's Communications Manager Fred Majiwa.

Mr Madoka said four motorcycle ambulances have already been acquired by the 86-year-old charity organisation for piloting in four remote villages in Tana River County, which has one of the highest maternal death rates.

The villages are Biressa, Wayu Boro, Dende and Tawakal.

If successful, the project will be rolled out in other counties. The specially-made motorcycle ambulances can easily navigate the rural terrain.