He
stated this yesterday while commissioning a newly built Pressure Swing
Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant and Neonatal Unit at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial
Hospital, aimed at reducing the state’s contribution to neonatal mortality.
Governor
Sani, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, said these
projects are a direct response to the state’s efforts to address the alarming
neonatal mortality rates.
“This
is the highest number of newborn deaths in Africa and the second highest in the
world. Alarmingly, 25% of all neonatal deaths occur on the first day of life,
while 75% occur within the first week,” he said.
Governor
Sani noted that Kaduna State has the highest neonatal mortality rate in the
North West of Nigeria.
He said
the newly commissioned neonatal unit is intended to cater to newborns aged 0-28
days, providing essential services to sustain the lives of children and their
mothers.
The
construction of the oxygen plant ensures a reliable supply of oxygen to the
newborn unit and other facilities across the state, he added.
Governor
Sani acknowledged the invaluable assistance of the United Nations Children’s
Fund (UNICEF), which provided technical expertise and financial support for the
projects.
Post a Comment