From Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
The Kano State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the FCDO-funded Lafiya Programme, has convened a two-day Performance Review Meeting to strengthen the State Emergency Medical Service Ambulance System (SEMSAS) and Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport (RESMaT)
The sessions, held in batches at Tahir Guest Palace, brought together participants from 18 Maternal and Newborn Health (MAMII) Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The State Emergency Medical Service Ambulance System (SEMSAS) and Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport (RESMaT) are vital free emergency care initiatives designed to ensure rapid access to lifesaving services.
Through the technical and coordination support of the Lafiya Programme, the meeting aimed to strengthen the state’s ongoing efforts to improve emergency and maternal transport systems.
The activity brought together key stakeholders to review progress, share experiences, and introduce digital reporting tools to enhance accountability and decision-making for more effective emergency response services.
Objectives of the engagement included reviewing the performance of RESMaT across LGAs and wards, strengthening accountability and evidence-based decision-making through digital reporting, and building the capacity of Community Emergency Maternal Transport Triage Officers (CEMTTOs) and ward focal points in emergency triage and maternal transport coordination.
Participants included the Director of Medical Services (SMOH), State Coordinator SEMSAS, 219 Community Emergency Maternal Transport Triage Officers and their focal persons across 18 MAMII LGAS, the State RESMAT Team, and implementing partners.
The Lafiya Programme remains committed to strengthening government-led initiatives that improve maternal and emergency care outcomes across the state.
The meeting was designed to foster collaboration among the state, LGAs, communities, and partners to strengthen the health system. According to the organizers, the introduction of digital reporting tools will enhance accountability and decision-making, leading to more effective emergency response services.
The Director of Medical Services (SMOH) emphasized the importance of the RESMaT initiative in improving maternal and emergency care outcomes in Kano State.
He noted that the programme has been instrumental in ensuring rapid access to lifesaving services, particularly in rural areas.
The State Coordinator SEMSAS highlighted the challenges faced by the programme, including inadequate funding and a lack of infrastructure.
He, however, expressed optimism that the introduction of digital reporting tools will help address these challenges and improve the overall performance of the programme.
The 219 Community Emergency Maternal Transport Triage Officers and their focal persons across 18 MAMII LGAS were equipped with skills in emergency triage and maternal transport coordination.
The training is expected to enhance their capacity to respond to emergencies and improve maternal and child health outcomes in their communities.
The Lafiya Programme is a key partner in the state’s efforts to improve maternal and emergency care outcomes.
The programme has been providing technical and coordination support to the State Ministry of Health to strengthen the health system and improve access to quality healthcare services.
The programme’s support has enabled the state to make significant progress in improving emergency care services, including the establishment of SEMSAS and RESMaT.
The introduction of digital reporting tools is expected to further enhance the programme’s impact and contribute to the achievement of the state’s health goals.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to strengthen the health system and improve emergency care services in Kano State.
The participants called on the government and development partners to continue supporting the programme to ensure its sustainability and impact.
The programme will continue to work with the State Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to strengthen the health system and improve access to quality healthcare services.
The State Ministry of Health has expressed its gratitude to the FCDO-funded Lafiya Programme for its technical and coordination support. The ministry has also thanked the participants for their active engagement and commitment to improving emergency care services in Kano State.
The RESMaT initiative has been instrumental in improving maternal and emergency care outcomes in Kano State.
The programme’s focus on community engagement and digital reporting is expected to enhance its impact and contribute to the achievement of the state’s health goals.
The introduction of digital reporting tools is a significant step towards improving emergency care services in Kano State. The tools will enable real-time reporting and enhance accountability, leading to more effective emergency response services.
The Lafiya Programme’s support to the State Ministry of Health is expected to strengthen the Health sector, thereby contributing to the achievement of the state’s health goals and improving the overall health outcomes of the people of Kano State.
The programme’s focus on strengthening the health system and improving access to quality healthcare services aligns with the state’s health priorities. It will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The State Ministry of Health has expressed its commitment to sustaining the gains made by the RESMaT initiative and ensuring that emergency care services are accessible to all, particularly in rural areas.
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