In the last few years, the global health community has been faced with the stark reality of a life-threatening issue for so many people living in low- and middle-income countries, or LMICs: A lack of access to medical oxygen. So what does the oxygen resolution recently passed at the 76th World Health Assembly mean for the gas companies that are largely responsible for producing the world’s supply of liquid medical oxygen?
Efforts by governments and other organizations to grapple with the global supply of medical oxygen have culminated in some momentous developments in 2023 — not least, the adoption of the landmark World Health Organization resolution in May to increase access to medical oxygen.
WHO’s resolution provides a clear set of specific actions that WHO member states and WHO director-general can take to effect change. Also in May, the Global Oxygen Alliance, orGO2AL, was launched as the successor to the ACT-A Oxygen Emergency Taskforce set up during COVID-19. This new coalition aims to provide sustained support to fill gaps in the supply of medical oxygen in LMICs. These two developments demonstrate that access to oxygen is starting to be recognized as a chronic, structural global health issue that demands sustainable, long-term solutions.
About the authors
Emma Cahuzac
Emma Cahuzac leads the research for the Access to Medicine Foundation’s Medical Oxygen Programme. Emma co-authored the foundation’s report on how some of the largest gas companies are scaling up global access to liquid medical oxygen, and what more can be done to ensure it reaches those who need it.
Karen Eryou
Karen Eryou is head of industry engagement for the Access to Medicine Foundation. She leads the engagement strategy, liaising with health care companies, industry associations, and other organizations in order to advance the foundation’s collaboration opportunities and change-making.
