Oxygen Therapy in Calabar: Breathing Life into Fragile Lungs

Sick Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) are critical to saving the lives of newborns, particularly those born prematurely or with severe medical conditions. These specialized units provide essential support, including incubators, oxygen therapy, and neonatal resuscitation tools, creating a controlled environment for fragile newborns.

However, in many underserved regions of Nigeria, such as Cross River State, the lack of functional SNCUs is a harsh reality. According to UNICEF data, Nigeria’s neonatal mortality rate stands at 34 deaths per 1,000 live births—an alarming statistic that highlights the urgent need for investment in neonatal healthcare infrastructure.

One shining example of intervention is the oxygen gas plant situated within the Mary Slessor General Hospital in Calabar. Donated by UNICEF, this solar-powered facility produces 300 liters of oxygen per minute, significantly reducing child mortality rates in the state over the past four years. Despite this success, the situation remains dire in many other facilities, which are burdened by inadequate staff, insufficient training, and unreliable electricity supply.

Oxygen therapy is a cornerstone of care for newborns suffering from respiratory distress—a common condition among preterm and low-birth-weight babies. Conditions like neonatal pneumonia and respiratory distress syndrome demand immediate oxygen support to prevent organ failure and improve survival rates. Yet, many primary healthcare centers in Cross River State face challenges such as inconsistent oxygen supply, lack of medical-grade cylinders, and unreliable backup power systems.

At the Primary Healthcare Center at Ikot Offiong Ambai in Akpabuyo LGA, despite being expansive, is overwhelmed by the number of babies needing treatment. The absence of regular electricity further complicates service delivery, emphasizing the urgent need for scalable solutions.

Socio-economic and cultural barriers exacerbate the challenges faced by healthcare facilities. Traditional birth attendants remain a popular choice for many women in Cross River State, often due to cultural practices and limited awareness about the benefits of modern healthcare. Dr. Vivian Out, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Development Agency, acknowledged this trend and highlighted ongoing efforts to engage traditional birth attendants in collaborative training and referral systems.

Moreover, financial constraints prevent many families from accessing healthcare facilities equipped with SNCUs. The lack of affordable transportation and high treatment costs further discourage timely medical intervention.

A two-day media dialogue organized by UNICEF, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB), shed much-needed light on the pressing issue of sick newborn care in low-resource settings. The event brought together journalists, healthcare workers, and policymakers, sparking critical conversations about life-saving interventions for preterm and ill newborns.

UNICEF and its partners advocate for a multi-stakeholder approach to overcome these barriers and improve neonatal outcomes. Key recommendations include:

• Scaling Up Sick Newborn Care Units: Increasing the number of functional SNCUs, especially in rural areas.
• Ensuring Reliable Oxygen Supply: Establishing centralized oxygen plants, equipping facilities with oxygen concentrators, and providing backup power systems.
• Capacity Building for Healthcare Workers: Training healthcare providers in neonatal resuscitation and respiratory distress management.
• Community Engagement and Education: Raising awareness about the importance of antenatal care and dispelling myths about neonatal treatments.

Dr. Martin Dohlsten, UNICEF Health Manager, emphasized the need for a “mentality shift” from merely ensuring survival at birth to creating opportunities for newborns and their mothers to thrive. He called on the government and stakeholders to implement well-coordinated interventions to break the cycle of preventable newborn deaths.

Every newborn deserves a chance at life, regardless of their socio-economic or geographical circumstances. While progress has been made, the battle for sick newborn care in Nigeria remains far from over. Through sustained advocacy, increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, and community engagement, there is hope for a future where preventable newborn deaths are a thing of the past.

The unseen battle to save the lives of sick newborns is not just a healthcare challenge; it is a moral imperative that demands collective action from all sectors of society.