A newly inaugurated oxygen plant in Damaturu, Yobe State, is poised to supply an impressive 720,000 liters of medical oxygen each day, sufficient to aid over 100 children suffering from severe pneumonia or 60 COVID-19 patients.
Inaugurated on Monday at the Specialist Hospital, the facility is the result of a collaborative effort between the Yobe State Government, UNICEF, and IHS Nigeria.
According to a statement released to Africa Health Report by UNICEF’s Communications, Advocacy, Media, and External Relations officer, Safiya Yoba Akau, the plant has the capability to fill 135 cylinders (20 liters each) every 24 hours, thus providing essential resources for both the Specialist Hospital and other healthcare facilities in the area.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State expressed the significance of the plant, stating, “This oxygen plant marks a critical advancement in our mission to enhance healthcare services in Yobe State… It will save countless lives, particularly among children and vulnerable populations.”
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, highlighted the facility’s importance for child health, noting, “Access to medical oxygen can be a matter of life and death for children battling severe pneumonia… This plant exemplifies the strength of collaboration in developing resilient health systems.”
The oxygen plant is also equipped with a backup manifold system to ensure a continuous supply even during power outages.
Mohamad Darwish, CEO of IHS Nigeria, conveyed pride in contributing to the project, stating, “This oxygen plant will greatly enhance the state’s ability to deliver life-saving medical oxygen.”
Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana, Yobe State’s Commissioner of Health, emphasized the plant’s potential to lower child mortality rates and improve overall health outcomes, asserting, “This facility is vital for achieving universal health coverage in our state.”
