By: David Nuakolo Flomo Jr
The rate of maternal deaths in rural Bong has been on the increase over the past decades; thus, resulting in the decline in population growth and traumatization of many childbearing mothers who have been affected by the menace.
Many of the deaths reported in hard-to-reach communities are as a result of the lack of vehicles (Ambulances) assigned in the nine health districts under the seven electoral districts as mapped by the Ministry of health under the Bong County health team.
This has been a major talking point on almost all community radio stations in the county with several phone callers requesting elected officials of the county to help provide ambulances for the electoral districts across the county; citing that the county health team has only one ambulance but always down due to fuel shortage and mechanical faults; thereby depriving citizens to timely access it in the rural parts of the county in case of emergency.
The situation drew the attention of Bong County senator Dr. Henrique Flomo Tokpah who couldn’t hold his thirst for intervening in the situation.
In November of 2021, Dr.Tokpah traveled to the United States of America to lobby with some international partners and philanthropists to quickly find remedy to the health crisis.
While in the US, the Bong County senator, as a lobbyist, procured well-built five (5) pathfinder jeeps with the necessary ambulance accessories and brought them into the country for onward distribution to the seven electoral Districts across Bong county.
The Districts include 1,2,4,6 and 7 respectively to ease the challenge and reduce maternal deaths in rural Bong County.
The office of Senator Tokpah has confirmed to Bong TV that the five vehicles are currently in Gbarnga and distribution commenced in Foloblai Town, the headquarters of Jorquelleh electoral district#2.
During the weekend citizens of Panta District were astonished to have witnessed the arrival of Dr.Tokpah along with their Ambulance; a moment that brought joy as witnessed by our reporter.
Officially presenting the vehicle on behalf of Friends Of Tokpah in Foequelleh Town, the Unity Party lawmaker said the initiative was meant to augment the fight against maternal and neonatal deaths in the county.
He then promised six months compensation to the District’s designated driver that will be assigned to the car while committing to provide assistance for services when encounters any mechanical fault.
Receiving the car on behalf of the District, the local authorities in separate remarks thanked Senator Tokpah for his farsightedness; thereby describing it as a life-changing venture.
They at the same time promised their unflinching support to the re-election bid of the Bong County senator.
For his part, the District health officer of Panta Mr.Matthew W.Lablah who took delivery of the ambulance commended Dr.Tokpah for the donation; thereby committing to use it for the intended purpose.
The UP’s senator has bagged praises and honor from citizens of the county for his remarkable contributions to the health sector with many pledging their support to his second term bid.
