Provision of clean, cost-effective oxygen saving lives!

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered unprecedented investments in oxygen equipment, including in Eswatini. It is important to ensure these investments are sustained and contribute to strengthen health systems and improve child health. Strengthening oxygen systems can reduce hospital-based pneumonia deaths by half and hospital-based child deaths by a quarter! UNICEF Eswatini supported the Ministry of Health to enhance access to Medical Oxygen for all Eswatini residents who require oxygen therapy.

Seven months old, Sewandile Nhleko was at the brink of death when one morning she suddenly struggled to breath at the hands of her unemployed mother.  “If I had not rushed to hospital the morning my daughter was losing her breath, I am sure she would have died”, remarked the child’s mother, Nelisiwe Sihlongonyane (28 years) as she sighed with relief.  “I would advise all mothers to bring their children to hospital early as soon as they notice symptoms that the child is not well, to get help”, she exclaimed.

When Siwandile was admitted at Nhlangano Health Centre her oxygen saturation level was at 79 % but after a week of continuous provision of oxygen her saturation levels are now at 98%, and she can now breath normally. Nurse Khanyisile Sibandze who was managing the child is pleased with the solarization of the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) plant which ensures continuous production and flow of oxygen to  both the general and isolation wards.

The child, Sewandile Nhleko is one of many children that are benefiting from the Ministry of Health and UNICEF collaboration  in procuring a more reliable and cost-effective electricity source to power the PSA plants both at Hlatikulu Government hospital and Nhlangano Health Centre in the Shiselweni region.

UNICEF support for solarization of the two PSA plants has made a substantial contribution to the Ministry of Health's capacity to supply Emaswati with reliable and quality medical oxygen. According to the Nhlangano Health Centre administrator, Ms. Samkelisiwe Lukhele, before UNICEF intervened, many members of the population who required oxygen were at risk due to the unreliable electricity supply and very high operational cost (electricity and fuel costs).

The assistance provided by UNICEF contributes to attainment of Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 7 which include the promotion of accessible and cost-effective essential medicine, oxygen, and the provision of clean and affordable energy. 

“This solarization project supported by UNICEF really came to our region to save lives”, commented the thrilled Ms Lukhele.  The health center has high demand for oxygen for both out and inpatient departments. “The facility admits a number of patients who present with snake bites and other ailments that require Oxygen support”, added Ms. Lukhele.  also explained that before UNICEF provided the support, nurses would need to carry 10.2kg Oxygen gas cylinders to attend to patients that needed the support.  According to Ms. Lukhele, the solarization project has also improved the lighting system in the health facility.

UNICEF needs more resources to support similar projects in other health facilities to save lives!