UNICEF Donates Oxygen Plant to Yobe State to Combat Neonatal Deaths
By Matthew Eloyi
In a significant move to reduce neonatal mortality, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has handed over an oxygen plant with a daily production capacity of 720,000 liters to the Yobe State Government.
The facility, located at the Specialist Hospital in Damaturu, was inaugurated by UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative Cristian Mundate. She emphasised that the project aligns with UNICEF’s global mission to uphold children’s rights, particularly their right to healthcare.
“The motivation is mainly children, our mission, UNICEF Worldwide, aims to guarantee children’s rights,” Mundate said during the handover ceremony. “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 highlighted the critical importance of oxygen in saving lives, noting that its unavailability in many health facilities has led to the deaths of numerous newborns, especially those with birth complications.
“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 liters 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 neighboring states,” she added.
Receiving the keys to the facility after an inspection, Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Lawan Gana, lauded UNICEF for the groundbreaking initiative. He stated that the oxygen plant would enhance the state’s efforts toward achieving universal healthcare coverage.
“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 situations of oxygen,” Gana said.
He added, “This is going to contribute to the aspiration of the state government in cutting down significant morbidities and mortalities, especially among children.”
Dr. Gana also assured UNICEF of the state government’s commitment to the routine maintenance and safety of the facility, stressing its vital role in the healthcare system.
The oxygen plant is expected to serve not only Yobe State but also neighbouring states, providing a lifeline to children, adolescents, and women in need of critical health interventions.
