Nasarawa State Launches Life-Saving Emergency Care in Keffi and Nasarawa, Backed by World Bank

Nasarawa State has strengthened its emergency healthcare system with the launch of World Bank–supported emergency services in Keffi and Nasarawa Local Government Areas. The initiative aims to reduce preventable deaths, especially among women, newborns, and vulnerable residents.

The rollout was conducted under the Nasarawa State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (SEMSAS), led by the SEMSAS State Coordinator, Dr. Tomen Ezekiel, representing the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna.

Dr. Ezekiel and a technical team visited selected health facilities to assess readiness, engage frontline workers, and certify them to begin operations under the World Bank–funded Impact RESMAT Programme.

Prior to activation, health workers across both LGAs completed months of training in first aid, triage, neonatal stabilisation, and management of maternal and emergency conditions. Facilities were also upgraded to meet standards for timely and efficient emergency care.

This step marks significant progress in the state’s implementation of the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), a national programme led by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency. SEMSAS oversees the emergency-response component, ensuring coordinated care for mothers and infants.

Central to the launch is the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) scheme, funded by the World Bank Impact Programme, which provides rapid ambulance and transport services for hard-to-reach communities.

A key feature offers 48 hours of free emergency care—including ambulance transport, stabilisation, and essential treatment—after which patients assume responsibility for further care. Health officials say this approach removes financial barriers at the most critical moments.

During the activation, Dr. Ezekiel emphasized the state’s commitment to expanding access to emergency services.

“We are activating Keffi and Nasarawa LGAs today because they have met the required standards. This reflects our determination to reduce preventable deaths and bring lifesaving care closer to our communities,” he said.

He added that more LGAs will be activated as facilities and staff capacity improve.

Nigeria has some of the world’s highest maternal and newborn mortality rates, often due to delays in reaching or affording urgent care. Programmes like MAMII, SEMSAS, and RESMAT aim to address this by improving referrals, cutting response times, easing costs, and ensuring trained personnel are available.

For residents of Keffi and Nasarawa LGAs, the new services promise faster emergency care and hope in times of crisis.

The state government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the programme until no preventable deaths occur among women, newborns, children, or emergency patients