UNICEF Handsover Billion Naira Oxygen Centre To Bauchi Gov’t 

BY KHALID IDRIS DOYA, Bauchi

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Bauchi state government in healthcare delivery through continuous capacity building, provision of technical expertise, and monitoring progress.

These were the assertions of the UNICEF Representative to Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate Tuesday on the occasion of handover of the over one billion naira Pressure Swing  Absorption (PSA) Medical Oxygen Plant and Level 2 Newborn Unit at General Hospital Azare, by the agency to the  Bauchi State Government.

Christian Munduate while congratulating the Bauchi state government over this remarkable achievement, assured that the agency would continue to work with the government towards a world where every child has the chance to survive, thrive and lead a healthy and productive life.

“Today, we celebrate more than just the inauguration of new facilities; we celebrate hope, progress, and the promise of a healthier future for every child in Bauchi State. We look forward to witnessing the positive changes that these facilities will bring to the lives of many families and the entire populace”, the agency said.

Munduate told Governor Bala Mohammed, “Your Excellency, as we hand over these investments to the Bauchi State Government, I urged that the L2 Newborn Care unit be staffed by trained healthcare professionals. 

According to the Nigeria UNICEF Representative with the availability of professionals dedicated to providing specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns, the agency is confident that the medical provisions will be maintained and utilized effectively to maximize their impact. 

She explained that despite Nigeria having the highest rates of neonatal mortality globally, investments in healthcare infrastructure, like the facilities being commissioned today, are crucial in reversing this trend, as they demonstrate a firm 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 installation of the medical oxygen plant will ensure that critical life-saving intervention, particularly for newborns and children suffering from pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses can be treated. This plant is a beacon of innovation and resilience, promising to save countless lives and provide a model for similar initiatives across the country.” 

UNICEF further explained that the Level 2 Newborn Unit established here at General Hospital, Azare is in addition equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, stressing that the unit will significantly reduce neonatal mortality rates and improve health outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable population.

She also expressed that agency’s deepest appreciation to its donors, IHS Nigeria and the Governments of Canada for this partnership, describing it as a testament to what they can achieve when working together towards a common goal – ensuring the health and well-being of every child and every mother in Bauchi state.

Receiving the health facility on behalf of the Government, Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Auwal Mohammed Jatau commended UNICEF and its partners for their support to healthcare delivery in the state.

Rt. Hon. Auwal Jatau who represented his boss, Governor Bala Mohammed at the occasion, told UNICEF “Your commitment to improving the health of the people of Bauchi state is highly recommendable which would not go unnoticed.

He prayed that the facility will assist in reinforcing his government’s objective of providing accessible healthcare to all, saying that the Medical Oxygen Plant will ensure that patients who require oxygen therapy can receive it in a 205 timely and efficient manner, thus improving patient outcomes and alleviating the burdens on our dedicated healthcare professionals

The governor requested for UNICEF’s additional support to provide solar energy facilities to General Hospital Azare and the Medical Oxygen Plant, saying that it will go a long way in addressing the challenges of erratic power supply and ensuring the sustainability of the Medical Oxygen Plant.

He also urged UNICEF to establish a befitting Special Baby Care Unit at Specialist Hospital Bauchi, adding that it will be linked to an already established Medical Oxygen Plant constructed by the State Government in that Hospital.

He commended UNICEF for supporting the State in having climate resilient PHCs in Bauchi by providing solar energy facilities for 20 PHCs. 

Bala appealed to the operators of the Oxygen Plant to ensure that facilities operate optimally.

The governor said: “The commissioning of this Medical Oxygen Plant signifies our determination to reduce morbidity and mortality rates associated with such conditions. With this facility, we are not only expanding the capacity of General Hospital Azare as a secondary healthcare facility, but also positively transforming the healthcare landscape of Bauchi State and our neighbouring States.”

“Healthcare is a fundamental right, and it is our duty as a Government to ensure that our citizens have access to quality medical services. We understand the myriad of challenges facing our Health Sector, which include limited medical human resource, inadequate infrastructure and equipment.

“Consequently, we have prioritised healthcare in our development agenda. The launch of this Medical Oxygen Plant is a testament to our commitment.”

Bala said since the inception of his administration, he declared a State of Emergency in the Health Sector which means some bureaucratic protocols bye-passed to achieve the desired goals in the Health Sector. 

“We have also convened the First Comprehensive Health Summit which drew the blueprint for our Health Sector. Likewise, we have been consistently allocating over 15% of our annual budget to the Health Sector in line with the “Abuja Declaration”. 

“Similarly, we have re-commenced the Pre-Service Programme for Health Students in Tertiary Training Institutions as well as lifting embargo Stratum on recruitment in the Health Sector and renovation of most of our Health Facilities, etc.”

According to him, the provision of high-quality oxygen therapy has been a serious challenge in the Nigerian health system, which include non-availability of biomedical equipment and trained personnel in that area. 

The Director, Business Analysis IHS Nigeria, Sadisu Barau Jibrin has in a goodwill message, noted that the facility represents not just a milestone in our partnership with UNICEF and the healthcare community, but a tangible step toward transforming healthcare delivery in Northern Nigeria region and beyond. 

Sadisu Jibrin said that the facility symbolized hope, resilience, and a shared commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Azare, the surrounding communities and the state in general, describing accessibility to medical oxygen as an absolute necessity, particularly for the vulnerable demographic of society such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

He explained that their commitment to supporting the strengthening of public health infrastructure is deeply embedded in the values at IHS, saying that the initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to partner with local and global organizations to enhance healthcare infrastructure across the country.

 

“The significance of this oxygen plant goes beyond its physical infrastructure; it is a cornerstone in building stronger healthcare systems, particularly in underserved areas. Through these efforts, we aim to improve patient outcomes, ensure sustainable healthcare delivery, and contribute to long-term social and economic well-being”, Jibrin concluded.