Federal Government’s SAVEMAMA Initiative Launches in Ibeju-Lekki to Improve Maternal and Newborn Emergency Care
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality with the launch of the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) SAVEMAMA initiative in Ibeju-Lekki , providing free emergency transportation for pregnant women and newborns in rural and underserved communities.
The Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) on Wednesday launched its SAVEMAMA initiative during a stakeholders’ engagement and community sensitization programme in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, in a move aimed at strengthening maternal and newborn health services in the area.
The initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle maternal and neonatal deaths by ensuring timely access to emergency medical care through free transportation services for pregnant women and newborns. The programme aligns with national interventions under the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) and is also linked to the MAAMI project.
Representing the Executive Chairman of , Ibeju-Lekki, the Medical Officer of Health, Abiola Abidemi Christy, urged pregnant women in the council area to take full advantage of the free emergency transport service provided by the government.
According to her, the initiative is designed to eliminate delays in accessing medical care during pregnancy and childbirth, which remain a major cause of maternal and infant mortality.
“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. We encourage all expectant mothers to utilise this free service without hesitation because their health and that of their babies remain a top priority,” she said.
The National Programme Manager of , National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, Doubra Emuren also highlighted the importance of the programme in closing critical gaps in emergency maternal healthcare delivery, particularly in rural communities.
During the engagement, participants were educated on how to access the SAVEMAMA service, including the use of designated short codes and emergency response channels for quick medical assistance.
Pregnant women who attended the programme also received packages of essential maternal and newborn health supplies to support antenatal care, safe delivery and postnatal needs.
Officials noted that the SAVEMAMA initiative complements other national programmes that provide free emergency medical transportation and initial treatment coverage, helping to address one of the key delays in maternal healthcare — timely access to health facilities during obstetric emergencies.
The programme is being implemented through collaboration between the Federal Government, state authorities and local stakeholders to strengthen emergency medical response systems, particularly in rural areas such as where geographic and infrastructure challenges often increase health risks for pregnant women.
Women from various wards across the local government area attended the sensitization programme.
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