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Godwin: the Boda Boda driver saving women’s lives

When Phostine collapsed in labour, she needed urgent medical help to save her life and that of her unborn baby. Luckily, Godwin Simiyu was on hand.

Godwin is one of a growing number of boda boda drivers who we’ve trained to take pregnant women to hospital on their motorbikes. Even though Phostine was barely conscious, Godwin was able to get her to their nearest hospital in Bumula, western Kenya. After a difficult delivery, she gave birth to Mophat, a healthy boy.

With support from UK Aid, we helped set up the boda boda ambulance scheme to reduce the rates of infant and maternal mortality. The bikes are ready for emergencies as well as planned appointments. Godwin, a 34-year-old father of three, is proud to be a boda boda driver who helps the women in his local area. He says his own family is more secure thanks to his job. “This project has boosted me financially. Feeding my family has become easy and we are all very happy.”

Godwin drives the boda boda motorcycle ambulance

Save the Children is proud to partner with the UK government to deliver programmes with UK aid funding. The boda boda ambulance project, described above, is an example of how this funding can be used to set up fantastic programmes that save lives. However, consistent attacks from the media mean that people don’t often see the benefits of this work.

Save the Children believes in championing the amazing impact UK aid makes to the lives of children and their families all over the world. If you would like to champion it too please sign our petition https://action.savethechildren.org.uk/page/23197/-/1

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