By Adeyemi Adekunle
In a major stride toward improving maternal and child health, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has handed over a state-of-the-art Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant valued at over N1 billion to the Bauchi State Government. The facility, situated at the Azare General Hospital in Katagum Local Government Area, was officially commissioned on December 10, 2024.
The groundbreaking project was made possible through the generous contributions of Canada’s Government and private sector partner IHS Nigeria, underscoring the vital role of collaborative efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, UNICEF’s Country Representative in Nigeria, Christian Munduate, hailed the milestone as a critical intervention in addressing child and maternal mortality in Bauchi and the surrounding regions.
“This oxygen plant will provide life-saving support to newborns and children suffering from respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, which remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five,” Munduate stated.
The PSA oxygen plant is designed to supply medical-grade oxygen to hospitals, ensuring that critically ill patients, especially children and mothers, receive timely treatment. This initiative comes at a time when access to medical oxygen remains a challenge in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural communities like Katagum.
State-of-the-Art Newborn Unit
In addition to the oxygen plant, UNICEF unveiled a Level 2 Newborn Unit at Azare General Hospital. The unit is fully equipped with cutting-edge medical facilities tailored to provide specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns. This development is expected to significantly reduce neonatal mortality rates in Bauchi State, which, like many northern states, struggles with high infant death rates.
Munduate emphasized that the success of the newborn unit would hinge on the availability of qualified healthcare personnel. “The equipment and facilities are in place, but we urge the government to prioritize staffing this unit with well-trained healthcare professionals to maximize its life-saving potential,”she said.
Government’s Commitment
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, represented at the event by his Deputy, Auwal Jatau, expressed profound gratitude to UNICEF and its funding partners for the transformative intervention.
“This oxygen plant and newborn unit mark a turning point in our efforts to provide quality healthcare for the most vulnerable populations—our children and mothers,” Jatau said.
He further assured UNICEF of the government’s commitment to sustaining the facility. “We will ensure proper maintenance of the equipment and efficient service delivery so that the impact of this investment is felt for years to come,” he added.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Muhammad, praised the initiative, emphasizing its value in bridging critical gaps in the healthcare sector. He noted that medical oxygen, though essential, is often scarce in rural hospitals, leading to preventable deaths.
“This donation is more than a structure; it is a beacon of hope for families who have long struggled to access life-saving medical care,” Muhammad said.
Addressing a Dire Need
Bauchi State, like many parts of northern Nigeria, faces significant healthcare challenges, including a high burden of childhood illnesses like pneumonia and birth complications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia remains a leading cause of under-five mortality globally, with limited access to medical oxygen exacerbating the crisis.
The newly installed oxygen plant is expected to serve not only Azare General Hospital but also surrounding healthcare facilities, ensuring that more children have access to critical treatment.
For residents of Katagum and beyond, the oxygen plant and newborn unit signal a renewed commitment to their well-being. Mothers in the area expressed hope that the facility would help save lives that might otherwise be lost to treatable conditions.
“We have suffered so much due to lack of oxygen in hospitals,” said Amina Musa, a mother of three, who attended the event. *“This will make a big difference for families like mine.”
A Model for Replication
As UNICEF continues its advocacy for child health across Nigeria, the successful launch of the PSA oxygen plant in Bauchi is seen as a model for replication in other states facing similar challenges.
UNICEF called on other stakeholders—governments, development partners, and the private sector—to support initiatives that directly impact the health and survival of Nigeria’s children.
“No child should die due to a lack of oxygen or proper medical care,” Munduate stressed. “This project reflects what we can achieve when we work together for the greater good.”
A Lifeline for the Future
The handover of the N1 billion oxygen plant and newborn unit is not just an investment in infrastructure but an investment in the future of Bauchi State. It addresses a pressing healthcare need and offers renewed hope to families, mothers, and healthcare providers working tirelessly to save lives.
As Nigeria continues its fight against maternal and child mortality, interventions like this serve as powerful reminders that collective action and commitment can change the narrative, one life at a time.
