UNICEF, others Handover Medical Oxygen Plant to Rivers State Government

By Abiodun Folarin 

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Government of Rivers State, IHS Nigeria, and the Government of Canada, has announce the handover of a cutting-edge medical oxygen plant and oxygen delivery devices to the General Hospital in Eleme.

UNICEF, in a statement on tuesday by it Communication Officer, Safiya Akau, said this significant milestone represents a major advancement in the ongoing efforts to improve maternal, newborn, and child health in Rivers State and across Nigeria.

According to her, the initiative follows a comprehensive, nationwide assessment of oxygen needs in health facilities across all 36+1 states, conducted jointly with the Federal Ministry of Health (and CHAI in select states).

“This assessment stands as the largest of its kind ever conducted globally. The Federal Ministry of Health used these findings to strategically determine the placement of oxygen plants across the country.

“The handover of this newly built Oxygen Generation Plant marks a crucial advancement in our mission to supply medical-grade oxygen to healthcare facilities,” said Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative.

“It is a profound honor and privilege to stand before you today on the achievement of this significant milestone. We gather here to officially hand over the medical oxygen plant, along with the oxygen delivery devices, at the General Hospital, Eleme, to the Rivers State Government. This represents a remarkable step forward in our shared commitment to improving maternal, newborn, and child health in Rivers State and across Nigeria.”

The medical oxygen plant installation is a groundbreaking achievement, providing a critical life-saving intervention for newborns and children suffering from pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses. This plant stands as a beacon of innovation and resilience, promising to save countless lives, improve health outcomes, and serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country.

According to recent data, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of neonatal mortality globally. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, such as the facility being commissioned today, are crucial in reversing this trend and 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.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Rivers State for their unwavering support and collaboration,” added Cristian “We also express our deepest appreciation to our donors, IHS Nigeria, and the Government of Canada 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.”

“We are proud to support UNICEF and contribute to an initiative which is designed to strengthen healthcare services and help support the Federal Ministry of Health meet demands for effective oxygen therapy in Nigeria. The initiative aims to improve healthcare accessibility and delivery of services and strengthen treatments for illnesses across our host communities.” Said Mohamad Darwish, the CEO of IHS Towers.

“A steady and reliable supply of medical oxygen contributes to the successful treatment of patients at all levels of the health care system.  Medical oxygen is an essential life-saving medicine in surgery, as well as for trauma, heart failure, asthma, pneumonia, and maternal and childcare. Canada is proud to partner with UNICEF, IHS and the Government of Rivers State on this important initiative, which is leading to strengthened health systems in Nigeria”, said James Christoff, the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria.

As the plant is handed over to the Rivers State Government, UNICEF is confident that it will be maintained and utilized effectively to maximize its impact. The State’s decision to operationalize the plant using the public-private partnership model is particularly commendable and, if properly executed, promises long-lasting benefits.

“UNICEF remains committed to supporting the government in this endeavor through continuous capacity building, provision of technical expertise, and monitoring progress,” Cristian stated.

“Today, we celebrate more than just the inauguration of a new oxygen plant; we celebrate hope, progress, and the promise of a healthier future for every child in Rivers State. We look forward to witnessing the positive changes that this plant will bring to the lives of many families and the entire populace.”

Additionally, UNICEF advocates for the urgent deployment of health workers to the newly established level two newborn unit within the same facility. This unit is fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, supported by UNICEF and USAID. An urgent deployment and launch of the newborn unit will potentiate the advantages of having these two innovations in the facility to provide high-quality services to the newborns of Rivers State.

“Congratulations once again on this remarkable achievement. Together, we will continue to work towards a world where every child has the chance to survive, thrive, and lead healthy and productive lives,” concluded Cristian.