Kano State has received a solar-powered Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant, an intervention jointly delivered by IHS Towers Nigeria, UNICEF, and the Canadian Government.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the handover on Thursday, describing the project as ‘a life-saving facility that aligns with his administration’s agenda to transform healthcare across the state.’
He noted that within two years of his government, all General Hospitals in the state had been renovated, while Primary Healthcare Centres in all 44 local government areas are undergoing upgrades, with some set to be converted into General Hospitals.
“We deeply appreciate IHS Towers Nigeria, UNICEF, and the Government of Canada for this intervention
“This administration will continue to work tirelessly with partners to advance healthcare delivery and guarantee better outcomes for our people.”Governor Kabir said.
On her part, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Mrs Wafaa Saeed, described the oxygen plant as a groundbreaking intervention that would particularly benefit women and children suffering from pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
“By harnessing solar power, we ensure a reliable and sustainable oxygen supply, even in times of limited electricity
“This plant is a beacon of innovation and resilience, promising to save countless lives and provide a model for similar initiatives across the country,”she explained.
Mrs Saeed said that “the initiative goes beyond infrastructure, highlighting UNICEF’s collaboration with Kano State to train health workers, biomedical engineers, and technicians in oxygen therapy and equipment maintenance.'”
“I wish to assure you, Your Excellency, that this will not be the last of our efforts
“We will continue to collaborate with your government to enhance the capacity of health workers, deliver high-impact interventions, and strengthen systems for service delivery,” the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria disclosed.
She also acknowledged the contributions of international partners, including the Governments of Canada and Norway, alongside IHS Towers, in making the solarised oxygen plant a reality.
Beyond the oxygen facility, UNICEF is also working with the Kano State Government on polio immunisation and the distribution of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) worth one billion naira to tackle malnutrition among children.
Senior Vice President of IHS Nigeria, Mr Dapo, and other dignitaries also commended the initiative, emphasising its significance in improving access to critical healthcare in Kano State.
PIAK