MyDawa, Kenya’s leading online pharmacy, in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross Society, has launched “First Boda,” an innovative project aimed at transforming emergency medical response in Nairobi.
This initiative leverages the widespread presence of boda boda riders to provide swift first aid assistance in the event of road accidents and other emergencies.
Zainab Mohammed, Head of Medical Programs at the Kenya Red Cross Society, highlights that the survival rate of accident victims significantly depends on the speed of emergency care.
“With over 280,000 serious injuries reported annually in Nairobi alone, the country’s approximately 400 ambulances often result in wait times exceeding two hours for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to reach the scene. This delay drastically reduces the chances of survival for many victims,” she explains.
Importance of First Boda
Sammy Kamanu a training specialist with the Kenya Red Cross Society speaks on the importance to include the boda boda support who are at the scene.
“An ambulance will delay, so we need the support from these boda boda riders who are at the scene to start the initial care and increase chances of survival. This kind of training is going to save more lives,” Sammy Kamanu said.
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The “First Boda” initiative aims to bridge the gap by training boda boda riders, who can swiftly navigate traffic, in basic EMT skills.
With over 200,000 delivery riders in Nairobi, these individuals are ideally positioned to provide immediate assistance at accident scenes.
Evans Khabeko, a MyDawa delivery rider highlights on the importance of this initiative to help provide this essential help.
“Accidents on the road are common, but often we find ourselves helpless, merely observing or bypassing the scene due to our lack of essential skills to provide help,” said Evans Khabeko.
First Aid Training
This training is set to make a significant impact. As more riders become proficient in first aid, we can expect a rise in the number of lives saved that might otherwise have been lost,” he added.
MyDawa and the Red Cross have developed a comprehensive training program covering critical areas such as bleeding, fractures, CPR, burn treatment, spine injuries, and preventing infections.
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Boda boda riders who complete the training will be equipped with specially crafted first aid kits that fit neatly into their delivery containers, ensuring they are always prepared to provide essential care.
“First Boda” encourages all boda boda rider groups and companies with large delivery fleets across the country to join in training their riders, enhancing road safety nationwide.
MyDawa is Kenya’s premier online pharmacy that was founded in 2016, providing safe, affordable healthcare products and medical services through an innovative technology-based platform.
MyDawa recently received a funding of $20 million from Alta Semper Capital with the aim to expand its reach and enhance its services, aiming to democratize access to healthcare across Africa.
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