Technical Steering Group; Contributing to Adamawa Emergency Transport Scheme

Society for Family Health commenced Emergency Transport Scheme (ETS) intervention in Adamawa in 2013 in collaboration with Transaid and NURTW. The project is aimed at saving the lives of pregnant women, newborn and increasing the uptake of maternal health services through the use of ETS services provided by NURTW volunteer drivers.

As part of intervention strategy, a Technical Steering Group (TSG) with membership from government Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) Security Agents and Media was formed in 2015 to provide technical support for project implementation and sustainability after close out.

Members of the TSG participated in routine activities and special events to abreast themselves of implementation strategy and some member organizations made cash and in-kind donation to reward best performing volunteer drivers at different fora which has helped in sustaining intervention tempo. Members of the group also participated in high level advocacy visits to the Executive Governor of Adamawa state and other stakeholders for project buy in and support for sustainability. Furthermore, they contributed in the project having free media appearances, created appropriate linkage for project sensitization with FBOs, women groups and other community structures for uptake of ETS transport services. The group has since 2015 met on a quarterly basis to review project progress, brainstorm on adding value to the intervention as well as addressing challenges. All these contributed to the transportation of about 17,000 pregnant women to access emergency medical care since the inception of the project.

ETS continues to make invaluable contribution to the Maternal Newborn and Child Health referral pathway in Adamawa state health care delivery system and the TSG is committed to sustaining intervention activities.