The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has donated a newly constructed Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant to the Bauchi state government worth over N1 billion.
Speaking during the handing over of the facility to the state at Azare General hospital on Tuesday in Katagum Local Government, UNICEF Country representative in Nigeria, Christian Munduate, said the project could not have been possible without donors like the Government of Canada and IHS Nigeria.
Munduate, who commended the Bauchi state government for its partnership and collaboration explained that the realisation of the oxygen plant represents a remarkable step in UNICEF and development partners’ commitment to improving maternal, newborn and child health in the state and across Nigeria at large.
The UNICEF boss said that the installation of the medical oxygen plant would ensure that critical life-saving intervention, particularly for newborns and children suffering from pneumonia and other
respiratory illnesses could 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 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.
“As we hand over these investments to the Bauchi State Government, I urge that the L2 Newborn Care unit be staffed by trained healthcare professionals,” she said.
Munduate added that with the inauguration and handing over of the facility, a healthier future for every child in the state is guaranteed.
In his address, Dr Sani Muhammad, the state Commissioner for Health who commended UNICEF for providing the state with a life saving facility, said the project was worth over N1 billion.
He promised the state government would do everything in its power to ensure that the facility is highly maintained and protected.
Also, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its unwavering efforts in making the project a reality and its commitment in improving the health and well-being of the people of the state.
Represented by his deputy, Alh. Auwal Jatau, Mohammed said a partnership of this nature that propels sustainable development and enhanced healthcare services.
Medical oxygen is a vital component in healthcare particularly respiratory tracks and a key in addressing life-threatening maternal and newborn emergencies.
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