Providing oxygen to children and newborns: a multi-faceted technical and clinical assessment of oxygen access and oxygen use in secondary-level hospitals in southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Oxygen access for children in Nigerian hospitals is poor, and likely results in substantial excess mortality. To improve oxygen access for children globally we must focus on actual provision of oxygen to patients-not simply the presence of oxygen equipment at the facility level. This requires a systematic approach to improve both oxygen (access [including equipment, maintenance and affordability]) and oxygen use (including pulse oximetry, guidelines and continuing education).