The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the Rivers State Ministry of Health to enhance healthcare delivery by equipping Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) with life-saving oxygen plant. This initiative aims to reduce child mortality rates, particularly among newborns in rural areas.
During a media field tour at the Model Primary Healthcare Centre in Akpajo, Eleme, Dr. Bright Ogbondah, Chief Medical Director of the Rivers State Hospitals Management Board, highlighted UNICEF’s significant contributions. These include the establishment of a neonatal healthcare unit at Eleme General Hospital and the provision of medical oxygen plants to support critical care.
As part of the UNICEF Media Dialogue held in Port Harcourt on March 4, 2025, journalists had the opportunity to inspect healthcare facilities, interact with medical professionals, and engage with patients. Dr. Ogbondah, who oversees operations at the Medical Oxygen Plant in Ncha, Eleme, emphasized the plant’s crucial role in treating severe medical conditions, particularly birth-related complications.
“The oxygen plant has been a game-changer in managing medical emergencies and saving lives,” he stated.
Read also: UNICEF, Canada Opens Oxygen Plant in Ebonyi
The oxygen plant was established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic when the demand for ventilators surged. With the decline in COVID-19 cases, the facility has shifted its focus to supplying medical oxygen to hospitals, including the newly launched Neonatal Healthcare Centre.
Although journalists observed a limited number of patients at the neonatal facility, Dr. Leechi Okere, the Medical Director, explained that the center is still in its early operational phase, and public awareness of its services is gradually increasing.
At the Primary Healthcare Centre in Akpajo, Dr. Ndubisi Akpah, Director of Public Health and Disease Control, commended the UNICEF partnership for transforming healthcare delivery in local communities. He cited a recent case where a newborn with mild birth asphyxia was successfully treated with an oxygen concentrator, preventing the need for costly referrals to private medical facilities.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office, Dr. Anslem Otobo Audu, called for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, stressing the need for more funding to upgrade PHCs.
“Neonatal healthcare and childhood illnesses remain significant challenges in Nigeria. While progress has been made, we must continue implementing interventions that ensure every child receives quality medical care from birth,” Audu stated.
He further emphasized the importance of strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to essential services, and raising awareness about early medical intervention for children.
This collaboration between UNICEF and the Rivers State Government marks a crucial step toward reducing infant mortality and enhancing healthcare access for vulnerable communities in Nigeria.
