Life-Saving Oxygen Plant Inaugurated in Yobe State to Boost Healthcare for Children

A state-of-the-art oxygen plant with the capacity to produce 720,000 liters of medical oxygen daily was officially commissioned on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the Specialist Hospital in Damaturu, Yobe State.

The project, a collaboration between the Yobe State Government, UNICEF, and IHS Nigeria, is designed to strengthen healthcare services across the state and save lives.

The oxygen plant, which can fill 135 cylinders daily, is expected to support 100 children with severe pneumonia or 50–60 COVID-19 patients requiring round-the-clock oxygen therapy. The facility also features a back-up manifold system, ensuring a steady supply of oxygen to the hospital’s pipelines and providing critical resources to other healthcare facilities in the state.

Governor Mai Mala Buni, who inaugurated the plant, described it as a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare transformation.

“This oxygen plant is a milestone in our efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in Yobe State. With the ability to save hundreds of lives, especially children and vulnerable populations, it demonstrates our commitment to improving health outcomes for our people. We deeply appreciate the partnership with UNICEF and IHS Nigeria in making this possible.”

Tackling Respiratory Health Challenges
UNICEF Nigeria Representative Cristian Munduate highlighted the importance of medical oxygen in reducing child mortality.

“Access to medical oxygen can mean the difference between life and death for children suffering from severe pneumonia or other respiratory conditions. This facility is a testament to the power of collaboration in building resilient health systems and safeguarding the lives of children and families. UNICEF remains committed to supporting initiatives that prioritize child health and survival.”

IHS Nigeria CEO, Mohamad Darwish, reiterated the company’s dedication to strengthening healthcare systems through impactful initiatives.

“At IHS Nigeria, we are proud to support initiatives that strengthen healthcare infrastructure and contribute to healthier communities. This oxygen plant is a vital resource for Yobe State and will significantly boost the State’s capacity to provide life-saving medical oxygen to hospitals. This initiative which aligns with our commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve also speaks to the importance of working collaboratively to solve healthcare challenges in the country.”

The Yobe State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana, who represented Governor Buni at the event, emphasized the plant’s potential to significantly reduce child mortality in the region.

“This oxygen plant represents a significant milestone in advancing healthcare delivery in Yobe State, particularly in our efforts to reduce mortality among children under the age of five years. It reinforces our commitment to achieving universal health coverage by ensuring life-saving resources are accessible across all healthcare facilities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to UNICEF for their invaluable support and partnership, which aligns perfectly with our vision of providing accessible and affordable healthcare for all. The Yobe State government is dedicated to maintaining this facility and ensuring its judicious use to effectively reduce morbidity and mortality rates across the state.”

The new oxygen plant is expected to significantly reduce mortality rates among children and other vulnerable groups by providing reliable access to this essential treatment. This milestone aligns with global and national goals to ensure quality healthcare for all, particularly in underserved areas.