De nye E-ranger motorcykel-ambulancer med indbygget seng i sidevognen viser sig at være en billig og effektiv måde at transportere gravide kvinder til hospitalerne. Motorcykel-ambulancerne er blevet en livline for kvinder i Sydsudan.
Tragically, Southern Sudan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with a ratio in Western Equatoria. By affording safe access to previously out of reach medical services in the region, these new vehicles will go a long way in cutting down many of these unnecessary deaths.
UNICEF and the Western Equatoria State government recently contributed seven of these new motorbike ambulances to the general public.
“This is one big step for us to quickly respond to emergencies related to pregnancies and child illnesses. This is the best solution for our poor roads,” said the Governor of the State, Joseph Bakosoro Bangasi.
Dr. Yasmin Haque, Director for the UNICEF Southern Sudan Area Programme adds: “This contribution of seven bikes will go a long way in averting the deaths of women and their unborn babies”.
Meeting basic needs
The majority of the maternal deaths occur at home or in primary health facilities and one of the key contributing factors is the poor referral system from home to health facilities and from primary health care facilities to secondary health care facilities.
The motorbike ambulances are an innovative approach to meet these basic needs.
Bridging the gap
These motorbike ambulances will bridge the gap between homes and health centers and between health centers and help pregnant mothers access skilled birth attendance,” Dr. Haque added.
The motor bikes will be based at different health units and centers across the state and communities will be educated on how to call for its services.Riders and mechanics have been trained in the last few days and will be responsible to transport cases of complications.
