Residents of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, have received renewed education on how to access the state’s free emergency ambulance service through a community awareness campaign led by Shield The Child Foundation in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State team of the SDSN Youth Nigeria SDGs Advocate Programme (Cohort 8).
The initiative, implemented as part of the programme’s Phase III community outreach project tagged “SDGs on the Street” aimed to improve public awareness of the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (AKISEMSAS). Volunteers engaged students, traders, commercial drivers, tricycle operators, passengers and pedestrians across strategic locations, including the University of Uyo, Itam Park, AKTC Park and the Ikot Ekpene Road corridor.
Through interactive discussions, educational flyers and awareness stickers, participants were informed about the availability of the state’s free emergency ambulance service and the importance of seeking immediate medical assistance during life-threatening situations. The outreach also included a baseline survey to assess residents’ knowledge of the emergency response system, providing data that could guide future public health awareness efforts.
Volunteers explained that the ambulance service is designed for genuine medical emergencies such as road traffic crashes, severe injuries, sudden illnesses and other critical conditions requiring urgent medical attention. Residents were encouraged to use the emergency lines responsibly by dialing 122 or calling 080 0002 2322 whenever emergency medical assistance is needed.
Organizers noted that many residents are still unaware that the service exists despite its potential to save lives. They emphasized that prompt access to trained emergency responders can improve patient outcomes through timely pre-hospital care and safe transportation to healthcare facilities.
The campaign aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, highlighting the role of accessible emergency healthcare services in building safer and more resilient communities.
The project partners expressed appreciation to the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Ministry of Health, AKISEMSAS, SDSN Youth Nigeria, Shield The Child Foundation, volunteers and other stakeholders whose support contributed to the successful implementation of the outreach.
Organizers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening public health through continued community education, youth-led advocacy and strategic partnerships, while encouraging residents to familiarize themselves with the emergency numbers so they can respond quickly when medical emergencies arise.ould be used responsibly for genuine emergencies to ensure prompt assistance for those in urgent need.
English