An essential element of medical care, oxygen is vital for the treatment of a wide range of diseases and conditions, from pneumonia and heart disease to maternal and newborn emergencies. Yet, according to a recent article published in The Lancet medical journal, more than half of the world’s population lacks access to safe and affordable medical oxygen services.
The article highlights the findings of the Lancet Global Health Commission’s report on the state of oxygen access globally. This report is the first of its kind to comprehensively examine the availability and use of medical oxygen, an often overlooked but crucial aspect of healthcare. What it reveals is a stark reality – that millions of people around the world are suffering and dying needlessly due to a lack of access to this life-saving gas.
The statistics are alarming – the Lancet Global Health Commission estimates that 420,000 children die each year from pneumonia alone because they do not have access to oxygen. This is despite the fact that oxygen is a relatively inexpensive and widely available treatment. The report also found that about 75% of people in low and middle-income countries do not have access to basic healthcare services, which includes access to oxygen.
The lack of access to medical oxygen does not only affect individuals with respiratory conditions, but also those with other health issues such as heart disease, obstetric complications, and trauma. In fact, the report found that oxygen is needed for the management of approximately 17% of all medical conditions.
The Lancet Global Health Commission’s report also sheds light on the economic burden of inadequate oxygen access. It estimates that this issue costs low and middle-income countries more than USD 16 billion every year in lost productivity and healthcare costs. This is a staggering amount that could be avoided with proper investment in oxygen services.
So why is there such a widespread lack of access to medical oxygen? The report identifies several key barriers, including a lack of infrastructure and equipment, inadequate training and education, as well as limited funding and resources. In many countries, oxygen is not included as a part of essential healthcare services and is often considered a luxury rather than a basic necessity.
The report also highlights the inequity in access to medical oxygen services, with the vast majority of those affected being in low and middle-income countries. This is a clear indication of the global health disparities that exist and the urgent need to address them.
But there is hope. The Lancet Global Health Commission’s report also provides solutions and recommendations to improve oxygen access around the world. These include investing in infrastructure and equipment, expanding training and education for healthcare professionals, and establishing sustainable funding mechanisms. It also calls for a global coalition to address this issue and ensure that all people, regardless of where they live, have access to safe and affordable medical oxygen services.
The report serves as a wake-up call to all stakeholders – governments, healthcare professionals, and international organizations – to prioritize and take action on this critical issue. It is unacceptable that people are dying because they cannot access a basic and essential medical treatment.
The Lancet Global Health Commission’s report is a call to action, and it is up to all of us to respond. We must work together to ensure that medical oxygen is available and accessible to all, regardless of their income level or geographical location. This is not only a moral imperative, but it is also a necessary step towards achieving universal health coverage and fulfilling the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring healthy lives for all.
In conclusion, the Lancet Global Health Commission’s report is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the lack of access to medical oxygen services globally. It is time for all of us to take action and work towards a world where no one dies or suffers because they cannot access this essential treatment. Let us not waste any more time – let us prioritize and invest in oxygen services and save millions of lives.
