Over 370 million people globally require oxygen for medical care, but less than one-third currently receive it.
A Global Crisis: The Dire Shortage of Medical Oxygen
A Global Crisis: The Dire Shortage of Medical Oxygen
A new report reveals a staggering lack of medical oxygen, affecting millions around the world.
As reported, the urgent necessity for medical oxygen has become glaringly apparent, particularly illuminated during the Covid-19 pandemic when numerous individuals in resource-poor countries struggled to breathe, even within hospital settings.
A new analysis indicates that each year, over 370 million patients worldwide depend on medical oxygen, with alarming statistics revealing that fewer than one in three actually get access. This inadequacy poses a significant risk to health and survival, especially in low- and middle-income nations.
Dr. Hamish Graham, a pediatrician and lead author of the report published in The Lancet Global Health, emphasized the critical situation, stating, “We know that there are more epidemics coming, and there’s likely to be another pandemic similar to Covid in the next 15 to 20 years.”
The report arrives at a crucial moment, especially as funding approved during the pandemic faces setbacks—specifically after the Trump administration halted foreign aid programs that could facilitate greater oxygen availability.
To alleviate the shortfall, an investment of approximately $6.8 billion is needed, according to the study. “Given the current socio-political climate, securing this funding will be increasingly challenging,” noted Carina King, an infectious disease epidemiologist and co-lead author of the report.
Despite these challenges, experts stress the necessity for governments and funding organizations to prioritize medical oxygen provision. Its role is vital across a spectrum of healthcare needs, impacting individuals of all ages struggling with conditions from pneumonia and severe infections like malaria and sepsis to surgeries and chronic lung diseases.
A new analysis indicates that each year, over 370 million patients worldwide depend on medical oxygen, with alarming statistics revealing that fewer than one in three actually get access. This inadequacy poses a significant risk to health and survival, especially in low- and middle-income nations.
Dr. Hamish Graham, a pediatrician and lead author of the report published in The Lancet Global Health, emphasized the critical situation, stating, “We know that there are more epidemics coming, and there’s likely to be another pandemic similar to Covid in the next 15 to 20 years.”
The report arrives at a crucial moment, especially as funding approved during the pandemic faces setbacks—specifically after the Trump administration halted foreign aid programs that could facilitate greater oxygen availability.
To alleviate the shortfall, an investment of approximately $6.8 billion is needed, according to the study. “Given the current socio-political climate, securing this funding will be increasingly challenging,” noted Carina King, an infectious disease epidemiologist and co-lead author of the report.
Despite these challenges, experts stress the necessity for governments and funding organizations to prioritize medical oxygen provision. Its role is vital across a spectrum of healthcare needs, impacting individuals of all ages struggling with conditions from pneumonia and severe infections like malaria and sepsis to surgeries and chronic lung diseases.
