The United Nations Children’s Fund on Wednesday delivered ownership of Nigeria’s first solar-powered Medical Oxygen Pressure Swing Adsorption Plant and a level 2 Newborn Unit to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
The installation, located at Jericho Specialist Hospital in Ibadan, was made possible with funding from partners such as IHS Nigeria, the governments of Canada and Norway, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
UNICEF’s Country Director in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate, hailed the project as a landmark achievement in the nation’s healthcare sector.
The event also saw the launch of the Oyo State Strategy for Scaling Up Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities, reflecting the state’s ongoing efforts to improve medical services.
She said, “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 a 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 specialised 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.”
Munduate emphasized that the Oyo State Strategy for Scaling Up Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities is a detailed strategic plan aimed at equipping every health facility in the state with the necessary resources for providing medical oxygen.
She added that the strategy includes steps for capacity building, infrastructure development, supply chain management, and sustainable financing mechanisms.
After signing the official handover documents, Makinde spoke about the roadmap, stating, “We may not be remembered for building roads, but we will be remembered for building strong institutions that will ensure that Oyo State runs predictably for many years after our tenure.”
In her welcome address, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, highlighted that the launch of Nigeria’s inaugural solar-powered Medical Oxygen Pressure Swing Adsorption Plant, alongside a level 2 Newborn Unit and the Oyo State Strategy for Scaling Up Medical Oxygen in Health Facilities, 2024-2028, exemplifies the strength of collaboration, commitment, and the significant impact of unified efforts in bridging critical healthcare infrastructure gaps.
