Ambulances in Ethiopia Save Mothers’ Lives(Ethiopia has become the first African country to have a national network of ambulances)

The huffington post March 03/2016
The majority of the world’s mothers take it for granted that, when the time comes to deliver their babies, getting to a safe place for delivery won’t be a major problem. Unfortunately however that’s not the case in Africa. It may not be too hard in cities, but in rural areas most households don’t have access to transport, and the journey may be difficult, particularly in mountainous areas or in poor weather conditions.
Ethiopia has become the first African country to have a national network of ambulances – about one for every 50,000 people – and they provide a free service for all women needing to get to a health facility for delivery, as well as covering other health emergencies. These have to be 4×4 vehicles to cope with Ethiopia’s tough terrain. Setting up this service has been a key policy development for Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Kesetebirhan Admasu. He believes that helping women to get to facilities is a key part of an effective, modern health service. It might even be considered as a basic human right. However good health facilities might be, if people can’t get there no health impact is possible. Providing transport can both increase the proportion of deliveries happening in facilities, and avert bad outcomes for women with complications.Read more