In remote areas of Benin where poor roads often prevent access to hospitals, motorbike ambulances are helping save the lives of mothers and newborns.
The specially designed vehicles are part of the “Two Hours to Life” programme, led by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and Benin’s Ministry of Health, with funding from Takeda Pharmaceuticals. The initiative provides free emergency transport along with medical equipment, contraceptive supplies, and digital health tools to improve reproductive health services.
For many families, the motorbike ambulances have already proven life-saving. “When my brother’s wife went into labour, I didn’t believe a motorcycle could reach our home,” recalled Edouard Affonissèkpé, a resident of Hêvié Houinmin-Daho. “But minutes later it arrived and took us safely to the hospital. Without it, I’m not sure my nephew or his mother would be alive today.”
Benin has one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, with an estimated 518 deaths per 100,000 live births, far above the global average of 197. The motorbike ambulances, which assist an average of six to eight patients each month in Hêvié, are helping close this gap by ensuring faster access to care.
Community members have expressed surprise and relief that the service is free. “I kept wondering how much it would cost, but the driver told us we didn’t owe anything,” said resident Léonie Hounguè.
Local health worker Clovis Dossou called the ambulances “a treasure” but stressed the need for long-term investment to maintain the fleet. For now, volunteer drivers continue to provide the service without pay, underscoring the community’s commitment to maternal and newborn survival.
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