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Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Oxygen Security​ - Over 5 billion people lack medical oxygen access: urgent action needed
17 February 2025
Foundation to host roundtable discussion on access to medical oxygen alongside 2025 World Health Assembly
Hosted by the Access to Medicine Foundation, the Medical Oxygen Community of Practice will hold its roundtable discussion during the 78th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA). The roundtable will focus on collaboration and solutions to ensure sustainable access to medical oxygen in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with input from the medical gas industry and the Global Oxygen Alliance.
Date
20 May 2025
Access to medical oxygen is a critical component of healthcare, yet many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) still face challenges in ensuring a reliable supply. To address this, the Access to Medicine Foundation has established the Medical Oxygen Community of Practice (CoP), uniting key stakeholders to drive sustainable solutions. As part of this initiative, the CoP will convene a roundtable session alongside the 2025 World Health Assembly, building on past collaborations to further strengthen sustainable access to medical oxygen in LMICs. Â
The roundtable will bring together key stakeholders from the medical gas industry and the Global Oxygen Alliance (GO2AL) to identify unmet needs, exchange best practices, and explore solutions for expanding access to medical oxygen across LMICs. By fostering accountability and strengthening collaboration, the session aims to build lasting partnerships between industry and GO2AL, driving meaningful and sustainable progress.Â
Chaired by the Foundation's CEO, Jayasree K. Iyer, this roundtable will provide a platform for participants to come together and focus on addressing critical issues. Jayasree will steer the discussion toward exploring strategies to improve and sustain access to medical oxygen, focusing on the following themes:
Define concrete next steps towards simplifying and harmonising regulatory frameworks for medical oxygen, to reduce barriers to market entry, promote fair competition, and facilitate regional and cross-border solutions.
Explore the adoption and financial implications of energy-efficient technologies and solutions for medical oxygen systems.
Outline measurable indicators to track progress, with participants invited to suggest key metrics and systems for effective monitoring.
Explore the government's role in enhancing access to medical oxygen and fostering stronger industry-government partnerships.
For more information regarding this event, please contact:
Steffi Van Uytfanghe
Company Engagement Officer
svanuytfanghe@accesstomedicinefoundation.org
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