The Lancet Global Health Commission
“Oxygen delayed is life denied,” stated a COVID-19 survivor from Kenya. Medical oxygen is an essential medicine with no substitute, crucial for treating at least 20 Global Burden of Disease conditions, including pneumonia, neonatal distress, COVID-19, and surgical complications. Yet, for millions of people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), it is scarce, unaffordable, and inaccessible.
Each year, 374 million people need medical oxygen worldwide, with 306 million (82%) living in LMICs. More than 60% of the world’s population lacks access to safe, quality, and affordable medical oxygen services. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a tragic gap in oxygen inequalities that had been present for years. A COVID-19 study across 64 intensive care units in 10 African countries revealed that half of the patients died without receiving timely access to oxygen, emphasizing the limited accessibility to medical oxygen in LMICs.
Despite emergency funding during the pandemic, including USD 1 billion from the Accelerator Oxygen Emergency Taskforce, many countries still lack the proper infrastructures and resources to close the significant access gaps that persist. This is due to the lack of accurate data many governments have on their health systems’ oxygen needs, preventing any implementation of sustainable solutions.
The Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Oxygen Security identified the critical need for improved oxygen access and conducted research demonstrating its life-saving impact. One key study found that deaths amongst hospitalized children fell by 25% when pulse oximetry and oxygen were provided.
The Commission, composed of 18 academic experts from across all regions, guided this effort and released its landmark report on February 17, 2025. Among the Commissioners was Dr. Michael Lipnick, CHESA Associate Director and UCSF Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care.
Building on this work, the Commission continues to develop sustainable oxygen roadmaps for countries with the greatest needs. Their initiatives focus on training healthcare providers, strengthening supply chains, and advocating for policy reforms to ensure oxygen access is integrated into essential healthcare services.
Ensuring universal access to medical oxygen is crucial for improving healthcare outcomes. Every breath counts and should be a given, not a privilege. The Lancet Global Health Oxygen Commission offers resources and implementation strategies to take action in ensuring this essential, life-saving medicine is accessible to all.
For more information, read the full report here: The Lancet Global Health Oxygen Commission – Every Breath Counts
