The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated a 720,000-litre-per-day capacity oxygen plant to the Yobe State Government to help reduce neonatal mortality rates.
Cristian Mundate, UNICEF’s Country Representative in Nigeria, handed over the facility to a representative of the state government on Monday in Damaturu.
She emphasised the importance of safeguarding children’s right to healthcare.
Mundate stated that the lack of oxygen in healthcare facilities has contributed to the tragic loss of many newborns, especially those with birth complications.
“The motivation is primarily to protect children, as UNICEF’s mission worldwide is to guarantee children’s rights.
“Having an oxygen plant in the state capital can provide essential oxygen to health facilities, ensuring the safety of babies with birth complications”.
She also noted that the plant is fully operational and will meet the oxygen needs of both Yobe State and neighbouring areas.
In receiving the facility, Governor Mai Mala Buni expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its continued contribution to the state’s healthcare system.
Buni, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Lawan Gana, assured that the state government would prioritise the maintenance and safety of the oxygen plant to ensure its long-term effectiveness. (NAN)
