UNICEF HANDS OVER OXYGEN PLANT AND NEW BORN CARE CENTER TO BAUCHI STATE GOVERMENT
By Uzairu Bunga:
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has officially handed over an Oxygen Plant and Newborn Care Centre, worth billions of Naira, to the Bauchi State Government, an initiative that aims to address high child and maternal mortality rates in the state.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Mrs. Cristian Manduate, emphasized that the project reflects both the commitment of the Bauchi State Government and its development partners to improving public health. She noted that the new facilities are crucial in reducing the impact of respiratory-related diseases, particularly among newborns, who experience some of the highest mortality rates in the country.
Mrs. Manduate expressed gratitude to IHS Towers and the Government of Canada for their support, which has enabled UNICEF to establish Oxygen Plants and Newborn Care Centres across Nigeria. She highlighted that these centres are vital for saving the lives of children, particularly those suffering from pneumonia, and for improving overall health and nutrition opportunities for mothers and children.
The establishment of the Oxygen Plant is expected to provide critical life-saving support, especially to newborns, and help reduce neonatal deaths in the region. Mrs. Manduate further pointed out that Nigeria has one of the highest neonatal mortality rates globally, making the establishment of these centres an essential step in reversing this trend.
She urged the Bauchi State Government to ensure that qualified and dedicated healthcare professionals manage the new centres, and stressed the importance of proper maintenance and effective utilization to maximize their impact. Mrs. Manduate reaffirmed UNICEF’s ongoing commitment to supporting the state government in building capacity and providing technical expertise for monitoring child welfare in the region.
Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, Commissioner for Health in Bauchi State, expressed his gratitude for the gesture by UNICEF and other development partners, noting that it would significantly strengthen the state’s healthcare system. He assured that the state government would ensure proper management and protection of the new facilities, stressing that any firm of mismanagement would not be tolerated.
The Commissioner added that, before the current administration, Bauchi State had no Oxygen Plant. However, under the leadership of Governor Bala Abdulkadir, the state has successfully established three Oxygen Plants at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi State Specialist Hospital, and Azare General Hospital.
He said, two more Oxygen Plants are located at Ningi and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas.noting that, the initiative marks a significant milestone in Bauchi State’s efforts to improve healthcare and reduce child and maternal mortality.
