The United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) has handed over a Solarized Medical Oxygen Plant to Jericho Specialist Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The UNICEF Representative Ms. Cristian Munduate handed over the Solarized Medical Oxygen Plant and Level 2 Newborn Unit at Jericho Specialist Hospital, Ibadan to the Oyo State Government during the Launch of the Oyo State Strategy for the Scale up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities 2024 – 2028.
The Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde while speaking on the occasion expressed gratitude to Unicef for the gesture.
Munduate said the event represents a remarkable step forward in the commitment to improving maternal and child health in Oyo State and across Nigeria.
She lauded Oyo State Government, the IHS Nigeria, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Governments of Canada and Norway for this partnership on the project.
Her words “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. The installation of the solarized medical oxygen plant is a groundbreaking achievement. 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.
“Additionally, 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. This unit will significantly reduce neonatal mortality rates and improve health outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable population.
“Today, we also launch the Oyo State Strategy for the Scale-Up of Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities. This strategy is a comprehensive roadmap designed to ensure that every health facility in the state is equipped with the necessary resources to provide medical oxygen. It outlines the steps for capacity building, infrastructure development, supply chain management, and sustainable financing mechanisms.
“These facilities including the strategy is critical in our efforts to improve health outcomes and is aligned with UNICEF’s 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. The significance of these developments cannot be overstated.
“According to recent data, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of neonatal mortality globally. Investments in healthcare infrastructure and strategic planning, like the facilities being commissioned today, are crucial in reversing this trend. As we hand over these facilities to the Oyo State Government, we are confident that they will be maintained and utilized effectively to maximize their impact.”
Munduate said UNICEF remains committed to supporting the government in this endeavour through continuous capacity building, provision of technical expertise, and monitoring progress.
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.
