.. launches four years Strategy for the Scale-Up of Medical Oxygen
 
The United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF in Nigeria, today handed over Solarized Medical Oxygen Plant and Level 2 Newborn Unit at Jericho Specialist Hospital, Ibadan to Oyo State Government.

The UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate handed over the facility at the Jericho Specialist Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State to the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

The event also featured the launch of the Oyo State Strategy for the Scale up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities 2024 – 2028.

In her address, Ms. Munduate described oxygen as a critical life-saving intervention, hence the need to harness solar power to ensure reliable and sustainable Oxygen support and avoid the incessant disappointment caused by the epileptic electricity supply, resulting in preventable mortality.

According to her, the facilities,  including the strategy, are critical in UNICEF’s efforts to improve health outcomes and are aligned with its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal three.

Her words: “ This triple milestone represents a remarkable step forward in our shared commitment to improving maternal and child health in Oyo State and across Nigeria.

“Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Oyo State for their unwavering support and collaboration. I also express deepest appreciation to our partners, IHS Nigeria, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Governments of Canada and Norway for this partnership. This is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal – ensuring the health and well-being of every child and mother in this state.

“The installation of the solarized medical oxygen plant is a groundbreaking achievement. 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. This plant is a beacon of innovation and resilience, promising to save countless lives and provide a model for similar initiatives across the country.

“Additionally, 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. This unit will significantly reduce neonatal mortality rates and improve health outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable population.

“Today, we also launch the Oyo State Strategy for the Scale-Up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities. This strategy is a comprehensive roadmap designed to ensure that every health facility in the state is equipped with the necessary resources to provide medical oxygen. It outlines the steps for capacity building, infrastructure development, supply chain management, and sustainable financing mechanisms.
She disclosed that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of neonatal mortality globally,  while affirming that investments in healthcare infrastructure and strategic planning, like the facilities being commissioned were crucial in reversing this trend.

“As we hand over these facilities to the Oyo State Government, we are confident that they will be maintained and utilized effectively to maximize their impact.

 She avowed the commitment of UNICEF to remain committed to supporting the government in this endeavour through continuous capacity building, provision of technical expertise, and monitoring progress.

“Today, we celebrate more than just the commissioning and hand-over of new facilities; we celebrate hope, progress, and the promise of a healthier future for every child in Oyo state. Together, we will continue to work towards a world where every child has the chance to survive, thrive and lead healthy and productive lives”. She asserted.