The Lancet report highlighted that around five billion people lack access to medical oxygen, posing a critical healthcare challenge globally. This issue is most severe in low-income countries with the highest demand for this life-saving resource, crucial for treating various health conditions and pandemic situations like the COVID-19 crisis.
The Lancet report shows that 82% of patients needing medical oxygen are in low- and middle-income countries, with South and East Asia, the Pacific, and sub-Saharan Africa accounting for almost 70% of these cases. In sub-Saharan Africa, up to 91% of patients lack oxygen, emphasizing the pressing need to address global barriers to fair distribution.
The report suggests investing in medical oxygen as a cost-effective measure to enhance global health, ensuring its availability and strengthening health systems. This investment supports achieving Sustainable Development Goals for health, enhancing healthcare outcomes in various areas like maternal and child care, and chronic disease management.
The report urgently emphasizes action on the global medical oxygen shortage to prevent health crises. Collective efforts are crucial to overcome barriers hindering fair oxygen distribution, while investing in healthcare systems, infrastructure, and supply chain reliability stands out as key steps forward.
India paved the way for global collaboration in boosting oxygen supply during health emergencies. Similar initiatives in Kenya and Ethiopia highlight the potential for enhancing medical oxygen access. However, further actions are needed to ensure universal access to this critical resource.
Sources News From Various Digital Platforms, Websites, Journalists, And Agencies.
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