The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has emphasised ensuring that hospitals, particularly primary healthcare centres (PHCs), have oxygen readily available for newborns who may need it.

Martin Dohlsten, UNICEF health manager for Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (MNCAH) and HIV, made this call in an interview with journalists on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, 30 per cent of infant mortality in Nigeria is caused by delivery problems, with 50 per cent of these deaths occurring on the first day and 75 per cent within the first week.

He also highlighted that neonatal deaths, which made up 32 per cent of under-five mortality, were largely caused by birth asphyxia, prematurity, and infections, conditions that were preventable with proper care.

Mr Dohlsten explained that asphyxiated newborns often require oxygen to survive, as their lungs might be underdeveloped.

He stressed the importance of having oxygen readily available in hospitals and that it should be administered, controlled and regulated to avoid harming the baby.

Mr Dohlsten further noted that Nigeria ranked second in under-five mortality and that to meet the SDG 3.2 target by 2030, the country must accelerate efforts to reduce mortality rates.

The UNICEF official attributed many newborn deaths to a lack of essential resources such as electricity, running water, skilled care providers, and neonatal resuscitation equipment.

He emphasised that investment in maternal, newborn, and child health was crucial for improving outcomes and ensuring equitable access to quality care.

“UNICEF has supported the installation of nine Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants in nine states and the establishment of level-2 newborn units in Kaduna, Oyo, Kano, Rivers, Sokoto, and Bauchi states.

“These plants have been handed over to the states with ongoing support for capacity building and sustainability,” he stated.

(NAN)