By Peter.
In a major boost to neonatal care, the NEST360 Alliance has donated high-capacity solar-powered inverter systems worth several millions of naira to three major hospitals in Ibadan, Oyo State, to tackle Nigeria’s unacceptable newborn mortality crisis.
The installations:
- 60 KVA solar inverter → University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan
- 15 KVA solar inverter → Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital
- 15 KVA solar inverter → Oni Memorial Children’s Hospital
Why This Matters
Nigeria records over 281,000 newborn deaths annually — the highest in Africa and second highest globally — with a neonatal mortality rate of 36 per 1,000 live births (WHO 2025).
80% of these deaths are preventable and occur in small and sick newborns who need:
- Continuous power for incubators, CPAP machines, radiant warmers, phototherapy units
- Reliable oxygen supply and monitoring devices
Power failure = death sentence for premature and critically ill babies.
What the Experts Said
Prof. Chinyere Ezeaka (Country Lead, NEST360 & Professor of Paediatrics, UNILAG):
“Power is the backbone of quality newborn care. Without it, even the best equipment is useless. These solar systems mean babies born too soon or too sick will no longer die because the lights went out.”
Prof. Jesse Otegbayo (CMD, UCH Ibadan):
“Inadequate power has been our biggest headache. This 60 KVA system will run every life-saving device in our special care baby unit 24/7. Outcomes will improve dramatically.”
Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi (Oyo State Commissioner for Health):
“This is mind-blowing. Our preterm babies now have guaranteed warmth and oxygen. Oyo’s neonatal mortality has dropped from 30 to 17 per 1,000 since 2018 — this donation will drive it even lower.”
NEST360’s Broader Impact in Nigeria
Since 2019, the alliance has:
- Donated hundreds of rugged, low-cost newborn devices (incubators, syringe pumps, pulse oximeters, etc.)
- Trained thousands of doctors and nurses
- Installed solar power and biomedical engineering support in over 10 teaching and general hospitals including LUTH, AKTH Kano, LAUTECH, Jericho Specialist, etc.
The goal: Cut newborn deaths by 50% in partner hospitals by 2030.
Powering hope, one solar panel at a time.
#NEST360 #SaveNigeriasNewborns #SolarForHealth #NeonatalCare #EndNewbornDeaths #OyoState #UCHIbadan
