UNICEF Nigeria Child Survival urged the government to prioritise oxygen therapy and health interventions to reduce preventable child deaths

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise interventions critical to the survival and well-being of children, emphasising timely access to medical oxygen as a life-saving measure.

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Dr Fatima Cheshi, a Health Specialist at UNICEF Nigeria, highlighted the agency’s commitment during the ongoing 4th National Oxygen Coordination Meeting in Abuja, organised by the Nigerian government in collaboration with development partners.

Dr Cheshi explained that untreated low oxygen levels in children’s blood, known as hypoxia, can lead to death or long-term complications.

She stressed that paediatric inclusion in oxygen planning is vital, noting, “For those people to become adults, they were once children. We work to ensure that every child lives to their full potential.”

She commended Nigerian states for increasing ownership of UNICEF-supported projects and called for sustained, productive engagement to ensure children are fully considered in national oxygen interventions.

Kenny Ewulum, Technical Director of the EPIC Project at FHI 360, highlighted international support, particularly from the United States Government, for expanding liquid oxygen systems in Nigeria.

He noted that interventions intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 13 sites currently benefiting from upgraded oxygen 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,” he said.

Ewulum added that the project aims to maintain epidemic control while strengthening the healthcare system.

Oxygen interventions remain critical in Nigeria, where pneumonia is a leading cause of death among children under five.

UNICEF, the Federal Government, and development partners have implemented solar-powered oxygen plants and other infrastructure upgrades to improve timely access to oxygen therapy for severe childhood conditions.

The Federal Ministry of Health has also launched the National Strategy for the Scale-Up of Medical Oxygen in Nigeria (2023–2027), aimed at expanding availability nationwide and reducing preventable childhood deaths.

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UNICEF Nigeria Child Survival initiatives continue to focus on ensuring every child has access to life-saving interventions, reinforcing the importance of sustained commitment from both government and development partners.