HÊVIÉ, Benin – In rural communities of Benin, where rough roads and long distances often stand between patients and life-saving care, bike ambulances are transforming maternal and newborn health outcomes.
Under normal circumstances, motorbikes would struggle to overcome the distance and terrain, but these ambulances have been designed specifically for hard-to-reach areas.
“When my brother’s wife went into labour, the health centre sent a motorcycle ambulance. Given the state of our road and the distance between our village and the health center, I didn't believe such a motorcycle could come all the way to the house,” said Edouard Affonissèkpé, a local photographer in Hêvié Houinmin-Daho, in the Abomey-Calavi commune. “But I was astonished when, a few minutes later, I heard the sound of the engine at the gate. As soon as it arrived, it took us to the Abomey-Calavi district hospital.”
I kept wondering how much it would cost, but the driver told us we didn’t owe anything - Leonie Hounguè
Rapid access to safe childbirth services is critical in Benin, where the maternal mortality rate is among the highest in the world, according to the most recent statistics. It is estimated that 518 women die from pregnancy-related causes per every 100,000 live births; the global average, by comparison, is 197 deaths per 100,000 live births.
The motorbike ambulance was therefore a source of relief to Mr. Affonissèkpé’s family. “Without it, I’m not sure my nephew or his mother would be alive today,” he said.
Two hours to life
The fleet of motorbike ambulances are just one part of the “Two Hours to Life” programme, which seeks to increase access to life-saving reproductive health services.
The programme is run by UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, and is funded by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. In addition to motorcycle ambulances, UNFPA has provided medical and technical equipment, contraceptive and maternal health supplies, digital tools and communication materials.
The initiative is providing the motorbike ambulance service at no cost to patients, a fact that has been a source of surprise and delight to many in the community.
“We paid nothing,” said Léonie Hounguè, a resident of Hêvié Sogan who used the service. “I kept wondering how much it would cost, but the driver told us we didn’t owe anything.”
Looking to the future
On average, one motorcycle ambulance in Hêvié assists six to eight patients each month, according to Clovis Dossou, a community health worker.
“This equipment is a treasure,” Mr. Dossou said. Still, he is conscious that the fleet of motorbikes will have to be maintained, and that local investment will be required in due course. In fact, drivers were initially meant to receive a fee, but they have so far declined payment – a sacrifice that Mr. Dossou praised as a gift to the community.
"For the moment, the service is free,” he said. “Nothing is required of patients."
