Reducing global inequities in medical oxygen access: the Lancet Global Health Commission on medical oxygen security

Overview:  

The Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Oxygen Security was launched in 2022 to address a critical global health issue: ensuring equitable and reliable access to medical oxygen for all who need it. Medical oxygen is essential for treating many diseases and is critical for safe surgeries and other medical conditions, but many hospitals and clinics around the world don’t have a steady supply and reliable access to it. 

The COVID-19 pandemic made this problem worse, exposing huge gaps in access to medical oxygen. While emergency responses helped in the short term, a long-term solution is needed to ensure oxygen is always available—not just during crises. 

To address this, the Commission –including OHT’s Dr. Ramanan Laxminarayan –brought together experts to gather evidence and find solutions. They aimed to create clear recommendations that can help governments, healthcare providers, and industry leaders improve access to oxygen worldwide. 

The Question:  

How can governments and local and regional stakeholders ensure equitable and reliable access to medical oxygen worldwide? 

The Findings:  

• 70 percent of people in low- and middle-income countries who need oxygen for acute medical or surgical conditions do not have access to it.  

• Investing in oxygen systems is a highly effective way to reduce illness and deaths while strengthening health systems for future emergencies.  

• The Commission outlined 52 recommendations for the government; the oxygen industry; global health organizations, and advocacy groups to implement by 2030, with an independent review planned for 2027 to track progress.  

• Oxygen should be integrated into national health strategies rather than being treated as a standalone product.  

• Sustainable approaches, such as energy-efficient oxygen technologies and local repair and maintenance systems, can make oxygen delivery more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.  

• Beyond improving healthcare, ensuring equitable oxygen access is part of a broader movement towards health justice, sustainability, and pandemic preparedness, making it a global model for strengthening health systems and achieving long-term health equity. 

Read the report in The Lancet Global Health here.