02/02/2026
Strengthening Emergency Response in Riverine Communities
The National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), with support from The World Bank IMPACT Project, has delivered specialized boat ambulances to Rivers State as part of a nationwide initiative to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
Our team, led by National Programme Manager, Dr. Doubra Emuren, was on ground to officially hand over two of six boat ambulances to the state, marking a critical milestone in improving emergency medical services for hard-to-reach riverine communities. We were warmly received by the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Rivers State, Dr. Adaeze Oreh and her team, alongside Dr. Amina Abdul, World Bank IMPACT Project.
Ahead of the February launch, Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh led an inspection of the emergency boats to assess operational readiness. These ambulances will provide life-saving critical care and rapid transportation to anyone requiring urgent medical attention in areas where conventional ambulance services cannot reach.
Across Nigeria, geography should never determine survival. NEMSAS is committed to bridging the healthcare gap in underserved riverine communities, ensuring that everyone has access to timely, quality emergency care.
This initiative reinforces our vision of a Nigeria where distance is no longer a barrier to emergency life-saving interventions.