The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), IHS Towers, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in collaboration with Governments of Canada and Norway donated first ever solarized oxygen plant and Level 2 Newborn Unit in Nigeria to Oyo State government.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at Jericho Specialist Hospital, Ibadan as well as the launch of Oyo State Strategy for the Scale-Up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities.
The Country Director of UNICEF in Nigeria, Miss Cristian Munduate said, solarized medical oxygen plant is a groundbreaking achievement and this triple milestone represents a remarkable step forward in our shared commitment to improving maternal and child health in Oyo State.
According to her, “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.”
She stressed that, 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.
Miss Cristian added that, this unit will significantly reduce neonatal mortality rates and improve health outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable population.
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.
She lauded Oyo state for being the first in the country to have such state-of-the-art facility in place expressing optimism that other governors would soon suit.
“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.” She concluded.
While speaking at the newly commissioned solarized oxygen plant, Governor Makinde stated that this represents a groundbreaking leap in his agenda for sustainable healthcare solutions in the Oyo state health sector.
He noted that the oxygen plant, the Level 2 Newborn Unit stands as a beacon of hope for infants requiring specialized care as the facility provides a round the clock service. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by skilled healthcare professionals, the stated that the unit promises to enhance neonatal healthcare services in the Oyo state.
According to Makinde, “the healthcare facility, powered by renewable energy sources, would ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply, critical for life-saving interventions in the state.
The availability of high-quality and functional oxygen supply systems will improve equitable access to Oxygen and, in so doing, would significantly reduce mortality from hypoxaemia.”
The governor noted that the innovation would not only address the pressing need for reliable medical oxygen but also aligns with global efforts to addressing aftermath challenges of post Covid-19.
Makinde appreciate the collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders including international partners such as the UNICEF and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation underscoring the significance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development.
