Vihiga: Vihiga County Government in partnership with Canadian Nurses For Africa (CNFA), has launched four motorcycle ambulances aimed at improving maternal and child health services across the county. Speaking during the launch at the county headquarters on Thursday, Governor Dr Wilber Ottichilo commended CNFA for the initiative, describing it as a relief to expectant mothers, particularly those in remote areas. He noted that the ambulances are expected to reduce the county's maternal mortality rate from 330 per 100,000 to below 200 per 100,000 this year.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Ottichilo stated that these motorcycle ambulances can access places where conventional ambulances cannot, ensuring timely referrals and emergency responses for mothers and infants. He announced that the initial four ambulances will be piloted in Sabatia Sub-County and urged CNFA to extend the project to the remaining five sub-counties. The governor further encouraged residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access services such as ultrasound scans and safe delivery care.
CNFA President Dr Patti Harbman confirmed the organisation's commitment to expanding the program to the rest of the county. She lauded the community for their cooperation and emphasized that the initiative would strengthen maternal and child health outcomes. 'Community Health Promoters trained by CNFA will support families with confidence, commitment, and expertise. These motorcycle ambulances will ensure expectant mothers get to health facilities on time, preventing complications that often lead to maternal and infant deaths,' Dr. Harbman said. She revealed that the four ambulance drivers received specialized training in Uganda, equipping them with both operational and first aid skills.
Susan Muhonja, an expectant mother from Sabatia, expressed gratitude to the county government and CNFA, noting that the ambulances will ease access to hospitals, especially in emergencies.