The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday handed over to the Bauchi State Government the multi-billion naira pressure swing absorption (PSA) medical oxygen plant and level 2 newborn unit at the General Hospital Azare.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate, officiated the handover at the General Hospital Azare, Bauchi State. She emphasized, “This milestone represents a remarkable step forward in our shared commitment to improving maternal, newborn, and child health in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.”
In her remarks, Cristian Munduate expressed, “Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Bauchi State for their unwavering support and collaboration. I also express my deepest appreciation to our donors, IHS Nigeria and the Governments of Canada, for this partnership.”
She added, “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 every mother in this state.”
The UNICEF Representative further explained, “The installation of the medical oxygen plant will ensure that critical life-saving interventions, particularly for newborns and children suffering from pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses, can be treated. 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 the General Hospital Azare is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. This unit will significantly reduce neonatal mortality rates and improve health outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable population,” she added.
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According to her, “The significance of these developments cannot be overstated. Recent data shows that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of neonatal mortality globally. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, like the facilities being commissioned today, are crucial in reversing this trend.”
Cristian Munduate also noted, “These initiatives demonstrate a firm commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”
“Your Excellency, as we hand over these investments to the Bauchi State Government, I urge that the Level 2 Newborn Care Unit be staffed by trained healthcare professionals. With dedicated professionals providing specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns, we are confident that these facilities will be maintained and utilized effectively to maximize their impact,” she stated.
She emphasized, “UNICEF remains committed to supporting the government in this endeavor through continuous capacity building, provision of technical expertise, and monitoring progress.”
Cristian Munduate concluded, “Today, we celebrate more than just the inauguration of new facilities; we celebrate hope, progress, and the promise of a healthier future for every child in Bauchi State. We look forward to witnessing the positive changes these facilities will bring to the lives of many families and the entire populace. Together, we will continue to work towards a world where every child has the chance to survive, thrive, and lead a healthy, productive life.”
The National Oxygen Desk of the Federal Ministry of Health expressed excitement about the commissioning of the PSA Oxygen Plant donated by UNICEF, one of nine such plants across the country.
According to the Ministry representative, “This occasion marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to ensure that medical oxygen is available to those who need it most, bringing us closer to our goal: that no one should die from lack of medical oxygen.”
She added, “On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, I extend sincere gratitude to UNICEF for this investment and belief in our country, which has facilitated the success of this project. UNICEF has further trained plant engineers and administrators on managing this plant.”
“As you know, medical oxygen is a life-saving, essential medicine required at all levels of the healthcare system for treating a variety of medical conditions, including respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, and complications of childbirth,” she stressed.
She further explained, “High-quality medical oxygen is, therefore, non-negotiable. Unfortunately, lack of access to reliable medical oxygen has burdened the healthcare system in many developing countries, including parts of Nigeria.”
The PSA Oxygen Plant, she noted, “is advantageous because oxygen can be produced on-site in the quantity and quality required. No more waiting for external supplies—safe medical oxygen is now available at our doorstep and will serve Azare, Itas-Gadau, Jama’are, Gadam Misau, and neighboring states such as Yobe and Kano.”
“Today, this project is being handed over to the Bauchi State Government, which means that the responsibility for ensuring optimal utilization and sustainability rests with the State Government,” she stated.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare advised the State Government to open a dedicated account for the sustainability and maintenance of the PSA plant, as directed by the National Council of Health in the 2023 Ekiti Declaration. The Ministry also recommended training more biomedical engineers and technicians to operate the plant and other medical equipment, increasing healthcare worker training on oxygen utilization, and providing adequate facilities, such as staff restrooms.
The Ministry assured that it remains committed to supporting the government through guidance and capacity building where necessary.
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