Gusau — A life saving transport system known as Emergency Transport System aimed at assisting pregnant women in labour was launched in Gusau, Zamfara State yesterday.

The second in series rolled out by an NGO, "Partnership for Reviving Routine Immunization in Northern Nigeria" [PRRINN] in collaboration with NURTW and the Ministry of Women Affairs is set to create awareness for commercial drivers to voluntary help in transporting pregnant women and those in labour or with obstetrical emergencies to the nearest hospital.

State coordinator of PRRINN Hajiya Salma Mijinyawa in her speech, said studies had shown that the high maternal mortality recorded in the area was as a result of lack of transport to hospital during labour. She also said investigation conducted in Tsafe, Gummi and Birnin Magaji local governments indicated that the problem was so prevalent that communities need to be sensitized on how to tackle it.

Hajiya Salma implored members of NURTW to support PRRINN in saving the lives of women in labour by promptly conveying them to hospital just like other emergencies. She said the organization would soon embark on enlightenment campaign in 20 identified motor parks across the state with the aim of sensitizing drivers on the need to offer such humanitarian service.

In his remarks, the state Deputy Governor Alhaji Mukhtari Ahmed Anka announced that the state government would provide ambulances which would be used to support the programme. While commending PRRINN for initiating the programme, the deputy governor called on the general public to attach great importance to it.

The National Vice President of NURTW Alhaji Najeem Usman assured that members of his union would render such service free and urged commercial drivers who attended the occasion to extend the message to their colleagues.