UNICEF URGES FG TO PRIORITISE CHILD SURVIVAL, OXYGEN ACCESS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The UNICEF has called on the Nigerian government to prioritise interventions critical to the survival and well-being of children, stressing that access to medical oxygen remains essential in reducing preventable deaths.
A Health Specialist at UNICEF Nigeria, Fatima Cheshi, made the appeal during the 4th National Oxygen Coordination Meeting held in Abuja. The meeting was organised by the Federal Government in collaboration with development partners.
According to a statement issued by the United for Oxygen Coalition in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, Cheshi emphasised that untreated low oxygen levels in children’s blood—known as hypoxia—can result in life-threatening complications or permanent damage.
“For those people to become adults, they were once children. We work to ensure that every child lives to their full potential,” she said. “Untreated hypoxia in children can lead to death or lifelong complications, which underscores the importance of sustained interventions.”
Cheshi noted that UNICEF strongly advocates paediatric inclusion in oxygen planning, as many severe childhood conditions require timely oxygen therapy. She commended state governments for increasing ownership of UNICEF-supported projects and urged stakeholders to ensure children are fully integrated into national oxygen strategies.
“Sustainability is coming closer and closer, and UNICEF is grateful for this. Let our conversations ensure children are fully included in oxygen planning,” she added.
Also speaking, the Technical Director of the EPIC Project at FHI 360, Kenny Ewulum, highlighted international backing for Nigeria’s oxygen expansion efforts, particularly support from the United States Government.
He recalled that oxygen interventions intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the installation of liquid oxygen systems in multiple healthcare facilities.
“The U.S. government joined in funding oxygen systems for Nigeria, particularly liquid oxygen expansion, and we have moved to about 13 sites at the moment,” Ewulum said.
He expressed optimism that the three-day coordination meeting would produce actionable outcomes aimed at sustaining epidemic control while strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
In Nigeria, pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five, with many cases preventable through timely access to medical oxygen therapy.
Over the years, the Federal Government, UNICEF and other development partners have collaborated to improve oxygen supply infrastructure in hospitals nationwide, including the deployment of oxygen plants powered by solar microgrids.
These initiatives align with the Federal Government’s National Strategy for the Scale-Up of Medical Oxygen in Nigeria (2023–2027), which seeks to expand equitable access to oxygen therapy across the country and reduce mortality linked to severe childhood illnesses.
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