Due to shortage of oxygen experienced by medics during the COVID-19 pandemic in many health facilities in Ogun State, the United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF), in partnership with HIS Nigeria, has handed over Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) to Ogun State Teaching Hospital.
The gesture, UNICEF said, ‘’is targeted at reducing infant and child mortality rates due to hypoxemia disorders.’’
Handing over the 100 LPM capacity oxygen plant to the Ogun State government, the Chief of UNICEF, Lagos office, Celine Lafoucriere lamented that about 120,000 children in Nigeria die of hypoxemia.
She stated that oxygen is critical in improving health outcomes and reducing mortality due to pneumonia by 35 per cent, yet, seldom available and often expensive, adding that ‘’oxygen is a life-saving medical gas used for treating respiratory illnesses and supporting various healthcare provisions such as emergency obstetric care, surgery, and anesthesia.
“Today marks a significant milestone for the people of Ogun state, particularly thousands of newborns and pregnant women suffering from pneumonia and other hypoxemia disorders”.
She noted that with limited access to supplemental oxygen, the line between life and death is blurred for critically ill patients with pneumonia and severe COVID-19 symptoms.
“This situation is, unfortunately, the reality for many and as an organization with a mandate for children, we are excited at the turn of events today. At this point, let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Honorable Commissioner. Your commitment and drive contributed to what we are witnessing today “
She pointed out that UNICEF values strong partnership with leaders and organizations whose support to deliver results for children at scale, adding that Only through joint efforts and the
support of trusted partners like IHS Nigeria and Canada can robust healthcare and other sustainable development goals can be deliver to all Nigerians.
“Our goal should be to reach a level in Nigeria, not just Ogun state, where no child dies from a preventable cause beyond pneumonia and other hypoxemia disorders; All children have the right to reach their full potential in health and well-being.”
She also stated that UNICEF is committed to working with governments at all levels to provide quality healthcare accessible and affordable to every mother and child.
“In Nigeria, about 120,000 children die every year due to hypoxemia. With limited access to supplemental oxygen, the line between life and death is blurred for critically ill patients with pneumonia and severe COVID-19 symptoms. This situation is, unfortunately, the reality for many.
Also speaking at the event, the state Commissioner of Health Dr. Tomi Coker stated that with the initiative Children will not die unnecessary from preventable death .
She noted that the plant will generate 300liters of oxygen per minutes adding that plant will never run out of gas.
She noted government is planning to replicate such gesture in other parts of the state with one be sited in ijebu ode, one ota and 3 in Abeokuta.
She maintained that the Federal government would monitor all the oxygen plants, including that of Ogun.
It will be recall that the oxygen plant is an initiative of federal ministry of health with emphasis to build more cross the country to Compliments the existing health care system.
