By Juliana Ekong
The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, IHF Nigeria, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Governments of Norway and Canada recently inaugurated and handed over a Solar – Powered Medical Oxygen Plant and a Level 2 Newborn Unit at Jericho Specialist Hospital, in Ibadan to the Oyo State government
The First Solarized Oxygen Plant is meant to prevent newborns mortality – Life Saving.
The state-of-the-art facility which is a life-saving medical oxygen for newborns and children, especially those suffering from pneumonia and other respiratory ailments, is meant to reduce neonatal mortality to the berest.
At the official hand over of the Solarized Medical Oxygen Plant and Level 2 Newborn Unit at Jericho Specialist Hospital, to the Oyo State Government and the launch of the Oyo State Strategy for the Scale-Up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities, the UNICEF Representative Ms. Cristian Munduate, said, ” this triple milestone represents a remarkable step forward in shared commitment to improving maternal and child health in Oyo State and across Nigeria “.
” 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, pointing out that, the plant is a beacon of innovation and resilience, promising to save countless lives and provide a model for similar initiatives across the country .” She said.
According to her, ” 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, assuring that, the unit will significantly reduce neonatal mortality rates and improve health outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable population “.
Taking delivery of the facility, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, expressed joy while recounting the journey which gave birth to the project and the state’s vision for the future.
Governor Makinde opined that the medical oxygen plant, powered by sustainable solar energy, will not only support the survival of vulnerable newborns but also enhance the overall well-being of mothers and children.
With continued partnerships and strategic investments, the vision of reducing neonatal mortality rates and ensuring healthy lives for all is becoming a tangible reality.
The Oyo State government aside the plant, also launched its strategic plan for scaling up medical oxygen facilities from 2024 to 2028. ”
” This strategy outlines the state’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that similar lifesaving technologies are available across the region “, the Governor said