The Rivers State Government has received a major boost in its efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality with the donation of a boat ambulance from the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS).

Announcing the development in a statement on Thursday, the Rivers State Ministry of Health said the team was led by Dr. Doubra Emuren, Program Manager of NEMSAS, who presented the boat ambulance to the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh.

It added that the boat ambulance is part of NEMSAS’ efforts to support Rivers State in improving emergency medical services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

Speaking, Dr. Emuren said the donation is aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Rivers State.

The commissioner expressed gratitude to NEMSAS for the donation, stating that it will significantly strengthen the state’s emergency response system, particularly in riverine and hard-to-reach rural communities where access to healthcare services is often limited.

Oreh said the boat ambulance is expected to provide critical care and transportation services to pregnant women and newborns in need of urgent medical attention.