BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
THE Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving emergency healthcare delivery through a strategic partnership with Helium Doc AI and the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA). The initiative is a timely response to growing climate-related health risks, particularly flooding, which severely impacts rural and underserved communities.
This assurance was given by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojame, during the official launch of the Helium Doc App in Asaba. Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Philomena Okeowoh, the Commissioner noted that the partnership aligned with the state’s vision of building a resilient, accessible, and responsive healthcare system amid economic and environmental challenges.
“The Delta State Government is proud to partner with HeliumDoc as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure our healthcare system remains functional and efficient, especially during emergencies,” Dr. Onojame stated.
In a related remark, the Commissioner for the Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Ejiro Etacherure the Director of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), represented by Mr. Alfred Ebremeyin, emphasized the government’s proactive approach to disaster response. He noted that sensitization campaigns are currently ongoing across rural areas to ensure residents are well-prepared for the upcoming flood season.
He added that the partnership with HeliumDoc AI is intended to ensure that flood victims in remote communities have quick access to healthcare services and medical personnel, even in difficult circumstances.
The Public Health Implementation Lead for Helium Health, Dr. Peter Ameh, praised the Delta State Government for embracing innovation in healthcare delivery. He announced that Helium Health, in collaboration with GSMA, has officially launched the HeliumDoc disaster-response initiative across the state.
Dr. Ameh explained that the initiative features a hybrid web and USSD-based patient engagement platform designed to provide continuous healthcare services including maternal, child, and chronic disease care even during natural disasters. By integrating the platform into both routine and emergency medical workflows, it aims to close critical care gaps in high-risk areas.
“Whether it’s a routine check-up or a crisis situation, healthcare must remain accessible,” Dr. Ameh said. “That’s why HeliumDoc AI was developed in collaboration with local providers. With support from GSMA and the Delta State Government, we’re beginning our rollout in Delta and Bayelsa States, ensuring it works for all users, all device types, and under any circumstance.”
He further noted that HeliumDoc offers real-time maps to operational health facilities, early-warning alerts via AI-powered voice and SMS notifications, and remote teleconsultations. For communities without internet access, the platform can be accessed using any feature phone by dialing 347478#.
Dr. Ameh added that the initiative is designed to promote continuity of care for vulnerable populations, increase the use of digital health tools among both providers and patients, and serve as a scalable model for disaster-resilient healthcare in high-risk regions.
The launch event drew representatives from various ministries, departments, and agencies, who delivered goodwill messages and commended HeliumDoc on its successful rollout. They expressed optimism about the program’s potential to keep healthcare providers and patients connected, informed, and supported throughout emergencies, and pledged their full support for its implementation.
The event also featured a comprehensive presentation of the HeliumDoc platform and breakout discussion sessions focused on practical deployment and long-term impact across Delta State.
