Unitaid, a global health agency funded by the UK, has launched an innovative initiative aimed at improving access to medical oxygen in sub-Saharan Africa through the region’s first-ever manufacturing program. The program, backed by a US$22 million investment, will support three oxygen manufacturers in Kenya and Tanzania, significantly boosting medical oxygen production in East and Southern Africa.
The initiative aims to increase oxygen production by 300% and reduce costs by up to 27%, making it more affordable for healthcare systems across the region. The new facilities in Kenya and Tanzania are expected to provide oxygen treatment to thousands more patients each month, addressing longstanding shortages in many African health facilities.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary of Health, Harry Kimtai, praised the program for its contribution to the country’s goal of universal health coverage, noting the critical role of uninterrupted oxygen supply in healthcare. Dr. Philippe Duneton, Executive Director of Unitaid, called the project a transformative step in making medical oxygen a basic right for all, rather than a luxury.
The project is expected to save up to 154,000 lives over the next decade by treating conditions such as pneumonia, preterm birth complications, and surgical emergencies. It is also seen as a scalable model for expanding oxygen access across Africa and strengthening the region’s preparedness for future pandemics.
This collaborative effort, led by Unitaid and supported by partners like the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and PATH, aligns with broader African Union initiatives to boost local production of essential health products and enhance the continent’s health security.
