Saving Nigeria’s Future: Why Medical Oxygen is the Ultimate Lifeline for Child Survival —UNICEF

Every year, thousands of families across Nigeria face the heartbreak of losing a child to preventable respiratory illnesses. Among these, pneumonia remains a silent killer of children under five. However, a powerful solution is gaining momentum at the national level: Medical Oxygen.

In a recent push for healthcare reform, UNICEF Nigeria has issued a clarion call to the Federal Government to prioritize oxygen access as a fundamental right for every child.

During the 4th National Oxygen Coordination Meeting held in Abuja, health experts highlighted a terrifying reality: Hypoxia. Hypoxia occurs when blood oxygen levels drop dangerously low. If left untreated, it doesn’t just lead to immediate fatalities; it can cause lifelong complications and permanent organ damage. Dr. Fatima Cheshi, a Health Specialist at UNICEF Nigeria, emphasized that for a child to reach their full potential as an adult, they must first survive the vulnerabilities of childhood.

“Many severe childhood conditions depend on timely oxygen therapy,” Dr. Cheshi noted. “Our goal is to ensure that children are never an afterthought in national oxygen planning.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic was a global tragedy, it served as a catalyst for Nigeria’s medical infrastructure. Before 2020, oxygen plants were scarce and often non-functional.

Today, the landscape is shifting thanks to international partnerships:

• The EPIC Project (FHI 360): With support from the U.S. Government, Nigeria has expanded liquid oxygen systems to 13 key sites.

• Solar-Powered Solutions: To combat Nigeria’s power instability, the Federal Government and UNICEF are deploying oxygen plants powered by solar microgrids, ensuring life-saving air stays flowing even when the grid fails.

• The 2023–2027 Strategy: The Federal Ministry of Health has officially launched a five-year roadmap to scale up medical oxygen access nationwide.

Prioritizing child survival isn’t just a moral obligation; it’s an economic necessity. A healthy childhood is the foundation of a productive workforce. By investing in oxygen infrastructure now, Nigeria reduces the long-term strain on the healthcare system and ensures that the “leaders of tomorrow” actually live to see that tomorrow.

While the progress is commendable, UNICEF and its partners agree that sustainability is the next frontier.

1. State Ownership: State governments must take full responsibility for maintaining the oxygen plants installed by international donors.

2. Pediatric-First Policies: Oxygen protocols must specifically include pediatric needs, ensuring masks and flow rates are tailored for infants and small children.

3. Infrastructure Investment: Continued funding for the National Strategy (2023–2027) is vital to bridge the gap between urban hospitals and rural clinics.

Medical oxygen is not a luxury; it is a basic clinical requirement. As Nigeria moves forward, the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and FHI 360 offers a glimmer of hope. By putting oxygen at the center of maternal and child health, Nigeria can finally turn the tide against pneumonia and other respiratory killers.