The government of Canada has allocated significant funds to Nigeria, contributing $23 million towards the development of oxygen facilities in nine states. This project, designed to meet urgent healthcare demands, was emphasised by the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. James Christoff, while visiting the newly inaugurated Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen facility at the General Hospital Nchia in Eleme, Rivers State. Christoff clarified that the funding assistance was provided through the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
Also, the High Commissioner highlighted that this collaboration unites a range of contributors, such as the Canadian government, UNICEF, the Rivers State administration, and regional health officials, to combat the lack of medical oxygen in Nigeria. These initiatives are components of a broader international campaign aimed at resolving comparable shortages around the globe, Christoff stated. He is pleased to witness how Canadian Tax funds have had a significant impact in Nigeria. The oxygen facility at Nchia General Hospital is a component of a larger effort that emerged from an extensive evaluation of oxygen requirements throughout all 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
About 720,000 litres of oxygen can be produced from the facility.
This project resulted in creating a comprehensive strategy to bridge the identified gaps, which included setting up oxygen production facilities in partnership with the Canadian government, the federal and state governments of Nigeria, and other global collaborators like IHS Towers. On August 6, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, officially launched the new oxygen facility with a production capability of 720,000 litres. Ms. Cristian Munduate, representing UNICEF in the country, emphasised that this initiative is vital in Nigeria’s approach to addressing healthcare needs.
She remarked that the oxygen facility represents a thriving collaboration between different governments and global organisations aimed at providing crucial healthcare assistance to those requiring it. While in Nigeria, Christoff commended the teamwork among the Canadian government, UNICEF, and local partners aimed at addressing major deficiencies in the nation’s healthcare system. Although they couldn’t resolve every issue, the lack of medical oxygen stood out as a pressing problem. This initiative is an important step in bridging that gap and positively impacting public health.
Healthcare will be enhanced to guarantee access to critical care.
Dr. Mekele Igwe, the Permanent Secretary at the Rivers State Ministry of Health, emphasised the significance of the oxygen facility, highlighting it as proof of the solid collaboration between the state authorities and their global partners. This facility symbolises advancement in its goal to enhance healthcare and guarantee that every patient has access to critical oxygen for their care. Dr Igwe elaborated on the plant’s capabilities, indicating that it is able to refill about 135 cylinders (20-1 litre bottles) each day, generating 720,000 litres of medical oxygen in that period.
Such production enables the ongoing care of about 100 children with severe pneumonia or 50-60 adults facing serious respiratory issues at the same time. The facility significantly contributes to improving the effectiveness of the healthcare framework by providing hospitals in Rivers State and nearby areas with improved resources to manage crises. He thanked the Canadian government for its dedication to promoting healthcare advancements and aiding medical systems in emerging regions. Such an initiative is part of a wider strategy to tackle the global shortage of oxygen.
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Lastly, Dr. Anslem Audu, head of the UNICEF Port Harcourt Field Office, voiced his assurance that the facility would deliver a reliable oxygen source to all public and private healthcare establishments, guaranteeing that every patient requiring assistance will receive it. The launch of this facility means there will be an uninterrupted supply of oxygen in Rivers State, he confirmed. He also recognized the financial backing from the Canadian government and IHS Towers, noting that the sponsorship by UNICEF has played a crucial role in the initiative’s success. Dr. Audu highlighted that a collaboration between the public and private sectors will secure the plant’s longevity, promoting its ongoing functionality to everyone’s advantage.