Statement on access to quality and safe medical oxygen

It is estimated that fewer than half of all health facilities in low- and middle-income countries have

uninterrupted access to medical oxygen, contributing to preventable deaths, particularly during the COVID-19

pandemic. The lack of access to reliable supplies of quality-assured and safe medical oxygen can be due

to limited production, distribution, unreliable power supply, lack of equipment, condition of storage facilities,

inadequate funding, or lack of technical expertise and guidance related to the installation, maintenance and

use of oxygen systems when it is available. A holistic approach is required to address these shortcomings,

such as appropriate policies at the country level; the inclusion of oxygen in national essential medicines lists;

a regulatory framework with the appropriate technical specifications and guidance on medical oxygen and

oxygen systems; training of healthcare workers; sustainable energy solutions in health facilities; financing;

and effective maintenance programmes. The World Health Organization (WHO) is committed to strengthening the supply of quality-assured medical oxygen. To achieve this, WHO provides recommendations and tools to facilitate the production, distribution, storage and use of quality-assured, safe medical oxygen. This statement summarizes the current WHO recommendations and tools related to the quality assurance of medical oxygen systems.