The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has handed over an oxygen plant with a daily capacity of 720,000 litres to the Yobe State government.
The facility, located at the Specialist Hospital Damaturu, aims to reduce neonatal deaths and improve healthcare for children.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative Cristian Mundate said the plant would help guarantee children’s right to healthcare. She noted that many babies with birth complications die due to a lack of oxygen in health facilities.
“The motivation is mainly children. Our mission at UNICEF Worldwide is to guarantee children’s rights. Having an oxygen plant in the state capital can help provide oxygen to health facilities so that babies with complications at birth can be safe,” she said.
Mundate emphasized the plant’s importance for health interventions not only for children but also for adolescents and women. “The plant has the capacity to produce 720,000 litres of oxygen per day. It is fully functional, and we hope it meets the needs of the people in Yobe and neighbouring states,” she added.
Receiving the keys to the facility, Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Lawan Gana, thanked UNICEF for its support. He said the plant would enhance the state’s efforts to achieve universal healthcare coverage.
“We are happy to receive this oxygen plant on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni. Oxygen is essential for curative care, and this plant will help reduce the shortage of oxygen in our facilities,” he said.
Dr. Gana also highlighted the plant’s role in lowering mortality and morbidity rates among children. “This will significantly contribute to the state government’s aspirations to cut down illnesses and deaths, especially among children,” he noted.
The governor’s representative assured UNICEF of routine maintenance and the safety of the facility, describing it as a valuable asset that the state government would protect and sustain.
