Throughout 2020 and 2021, the need has been clear: countries around the world are in desperate need of oxygen equipment. Since January 2020, UNICEF has supplied 20,629 oxygen generators to 94 countries. These machines draw air from the environment, remove nitrogen, and create a continuous source of oxygen. In addition, UNICEF distributed 42,593 oxygen accessories and 1,074,754 consumables , providing the necessary equipment to safely administer oxygen therapy.
The need for medical oxygen goes far beyond responding to the Covid-19 emergency. It is an important commodity needed to meet a range of medical needs, such as treating sick newborns and children with pneumonia, supporting mothers with birth complications, and keeping patients stable during surgery. To provide a long-term solution, UNICEF is working with governments to develop oxygen systems. In addition to training medical personnel to diagnose respiratory diseases and safely deliver oxygen, this may include installing oxygen plants, developing cylinder delivery networks, or purchasing oxygen concentrators.