In a significant step towards reducing neonatal deaths, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has handed over a state-of-the-art oxygen plant to the Yobe State government. The facility, located at the Specialist Hospital in Damaturu, has the capacity to supply 720,000 litres of oxygen daily.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Cristian Mundate, emphasised the importance of ensuring children’s access to quality healthcare.
“The motivation is mainly children, our mission, UNICEF Worldwide, aims to guarantee children’s rights. Having an oxygen plant in the state capital city can help in providing oxygen to health facilities so that babies who have complications at birth can be safe,” Mundate said.
She further noted that the lack of oxygen in health facilities had been a major contributor to neonatal deaths. “This is critical in terms of health intervention which can also be for adolescents and women. The plant has the capacity to produce 720,000 litres of oxygen per day. It is fully functional, and we hope it complies with all the needs of the people in the state and even the neighbouring states,” she added.
Receiving the keys to the facility, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Lawan Gana, lauded UNICEF for its commitment to improving healthcare in the state.
“We are happy to receive this oxygen plant constructed by UNICEF on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni. Oxygen is an essential element for curative care, and the presence of this oxygen plant in the state will go a long way in reducing the out-of-stock of oxygen,” he said.
Dr. Gana highlighted the project’s potential to significantly reduce child mortality and morbidity in the state. “This is going to contribute to the aspiration of the state government in cutting down significant morbidities and mortalities, especially among children,” he noted.
The governor’s representative also assured UNICEF of the state’s commitment to the routine maintenance and safety of the oxygen plant. “This is a project the state government would not take for granted,” he pledged.
With this intervention, UNICEF has further strengthened Yobe State’s healthcare system, offering hope to children, women, and adolescents across the state and neighboring regions.
