In a significant stride towards improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria, UNICEF, in partnership with the Rivers State Government, IHS Nigeria, and the Government of Canada, has officially handed over a state-of-the-art medical oxygen plant to the General Hospital in Eleme. This groundbreaking initiative marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance maternal, newborn, and child health in the state.
The newly constructed Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant is equipped with advanced technology capable of producing 135 oxygen cylinders (20-liter bottles) within a 24-hour period, translating to a substantial 720,000 liters of medical oxygen daily. This capacity is sufficient to provide life-saving oxygen therapy to 100 children with severe pneumonia or 50-60 COVID-19 patients simultaneously.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “The handover of this newly built Oxygen Generation Plant marks a crucial advancement in our mission to supply medical-grade oxygen to healthcare facilities across Nigeria, especially in the areas of maternal, newborn, and child health.” She further expressed gratitude to the partners, particularly the Government of Canada, for their unwavering support in making this project a reality.
The Executive Director of IHS Nigeria, Mr. Martin Babalola, highlighted the company’s commitment to social impact and healthcare development. He noted that the project aligns with IHS Nigeria’s vision of contributing to a healthier Nigeria through sustainable solutions.
“We are proud to partner with UNICEF and the Rivers State Government on this life-saving project,” Babalola said. “This oxygen plant is a testament to our shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of the people of Rivers State.”
The Rivers State Commissioner for Health expressed the state government’s appreciation for the support received from UNICEF and IHS Nigeria. He stated that the oxygen plant will significantly enhance the capacity of the Eleme General Hospital to provide quality healthcare services, particularly for mothers, newborns, and children.
“The availability of medical oxygen is critical for the survival of patients with respiratory illnesses, “This plant will save countless lives and contribute to improving the overall health indices of Rivers State.”
The handover ceremony was attended by key government officials, healthcare professionals, representatives of UNICEF, IHS Nigeria, and the Canadian government, as well as community leaders and beneficiaries of the project.
Addressing the Oxygen Challenge
The establishment of the oxygen plant in Eleme is a crucial step in addressing the oxygen challenge in Nigeria. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for adequate oxygen supply in healthcare facilities across the country. While significant progress has been made, there is still a need for more oxygen plants to be established in other states to ensure universal access to this life-saving resource.
UNICEF and its partners have committed to supporting the government in scaling up oxygen production and distribution nationwide. By investing in oxygen infrastructure, training healthcare workers on oxygen therapy, and raising awareness about the importance of oxygen, it is possible to save countless lives and improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes.
The Road Ahead
The successful implementation of the oxygen plant in Eleme is a testament to the power of partnership and the commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria. It is hoped that this project will serve as a model for other states to replicate and expand access to medical oxygen.
As the country continues to grapple with health challenges, there is a need for sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, human resources, and technology. By working together, the government, development partners, and the private sector can build a resilient and sustainable healthcare system that guarantees the right to health for all Nigerians.
