Oyo takes delivery of oxygen plant : assures reduction in neonate mortality

To check the high rate of neonatal mortality in Nigeria, the United Nation’s Children’s Fund, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, IHS Nigeria, the Governments of Canada and that of Norway, has donated a solar-powered medical oxygen plant and a Level 2 newborn unit at Jericho Specialist Hospital in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The state-of-the-art facility  which is a life-saving medical oxygen for newborns and children, especially those suffering from pneumonia and other respiratory ailments, is meant to reduce neonatal mortality to the barest. 

It is on record that, Nigeria is grappling with one of the highest neonatal mortality rates with over 8 million births annually, hence the need for provision and inauguration of the solar-powered medical oxygen plant to improve maternal and neonatal health in Nigeria.

At the official hand over of the Solarized Medical Oxygen Plant and Level 2 Newborn Unit at Jericho Specialist Hospital, to the Oyo State Government and the launch of the Oyo State Strategy for the Scale-Up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities, the UNICEF Representative Ms. Cristian Munduate,

said,  ” this triple milestone represents a remarkable step forward in shared commitment to improving maternal and child health in Oyo State and across Nigeria “.

” Oxygen is a critical life-saving intervention, particularly for newborns and children suffering from pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses, by harnessing solar power, we ensure reliable and sustainable oxygen supply, even in times of limited electricity, pointing out that, the plant is a beacon of innovation and resilience, promising to save countless lives and provide a model for similar initiatives across the country .” She explains

According to her, ” the Level 2 Newborn Unit established here at Jericho Specialist Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by trained healthcare professionals dedicated to providing specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns, assuring that, the unit will significantly reduce neonatal mortality rates and improve health outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable population “.

Dr Munduate disclosed that, launching the Oyo State Strategy for the Scale-Up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities, is a  strategic comprehensive roadmap designed to ensure that every health facility in the state is equipped with the necessary resources to provide medical oxygen, outlining the steps for capacity building, infrastructure development, supply chain management, and sustainable financing mechanisms.

She stated that, the significance of the developments cannot be overstated. because, according to recent data, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of neonatal mortality globally.

” Investments in healthcare infrastructure and strategic planning, like the facilities being commissioned, are crucial in reversing the trend ” Munduate stated

She expressed confidence that the equipment will be maintained and utilize effectively to maximize their impact, promising that, UNICEF remains committed to supporting the government in it’s endeavour through continuous capacity building, provision of technical expertise, and monitoring progress.

Taking delivery of the facility, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, expressed joy  while recounting the journey which birth the project and the state’s vision for the future.

 Governor  Makinde opined that the medical oxygen plant, powered by sustainable solar energy, will not only support the survival of vulnerable newborns but also enhance the overall well-being of mothers and children.

With continued partnerships and strategic investments, the vision of reducing neonatal mortality rates and ensuring healthy lives for all is becoming a tangible reality.

The Oyo State government aside the plant,  also launched its strategic plan for scaling up medical oxygen facilities from 2024 to 2028. “

” This strategy outlines the state’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that similar lifesaving technologies are available across the region “. governor

Giving an overview of the plant and neonatal unit, the Permanent Secretary, HMB, DR Anifat Ibraheem said the project came at the right time having noted that, the world is transiting to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, oxygen system strengthening, is the fulcrum of UNICEF’s health programme and it align with Omituntun 2.0 agenda of scaling up medical oxygen system for the benefit of the people.

Dr Anifat explained that, Jericho Specialist Hospital was chosen for the situation of solarized oxygen plant and new born level 2 unit to deliver comprehensive care, linked to six Primary Health care centers in catchment area to ensure robust mentorship and referral system.

” To ensure sustainability of the project, seventy ( 70 ) health personnel from secondary health facilities have been trained on Hypoxemia and Pneumonia management, adding that twelve (12) Biomedical engineers have also been trained on operation and maintenance of the oxygen plant “. Anifat assured.

She appreciated the donors for striving to put a stop to the endless deaths and stillbirths of neonate and scale up high impact evidence based and cost effective intervention in the state.