Unitaid invests US $22M to boost medical oxygen access in Sub-Saharan Africa

KENYA – Unitaid has launched a US $22 million initiative to improve medical oxygen access across sub-Saharan Africa through the East African Program on Oxygen Access (EAPOA).

The program, led by three oxygen manufacturers from Kenya and Tanzania, will increase liquid oxygen production, starting with new facilities in Mombasa and Nairobi, Kenya.

The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), in partnership with the governments of Kenya and Tanzania, PATH, and other development partners, will oversee implementation. MedAccess will provide financial support to ensure sustainable supply at affordable prices.

Medical oxygen is essential for treating infectious diseases, chronic respiratory conditions, and emergency cases.

However, many healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan Africa face severe shortages, with some countries accessing less than 10% of their oxygen needs.

Addressing critical oxygen shortages

EAPOA aims to address this crisis by establishing a regional network of liquid oxygen production hubs in Kenya and Tanzania, which will also supply neighboring countries like Uganda, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia.

“The Mombasa facility is just the beginning of a larger effort to transform oxygen access across Africa,” said Unitaid Executive Director Dr. Philippe Duneton.

“Medical oxygen is critical for saving lives, yet too many health facilities in this region struggle with access. By working together with Kenyan and Tanzanian manufacturers and other partners, we are ensuring that oxygen is no longer a luxury but a basic right for all patients.”

The initiative combines grant funding from Canada and Japan with concessional loans and MedAccess-backed volume guarantees.

This model strengthens small- and medium-sized oxygen suppliers, including Kenya’s Hewatele and Synergy, and Tanzania’s TOL Gases Limited.

The manufacturers will expand production by over 60 tons per day, potentially lowering oxygen prices by up to 27% and enabling treatment for thousands more patients each month.

Government and partner support

Kenya’s Ministry of Health welcomes the project as part of its goal to achieve universal health coverage.

Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Health, Harry Kimtai, highlighted the significance of the initiative: “Kenya’s drive towards universal health coverage requires uninterrupted access to medical oxygen.

This new liquid oxygen manufacturing plant will boost availability across the country. We congratulate Unitaid and partners for their support and look forward to working together to improve access to essential health products.”

EAPOA builds on previous investments in oxygen infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic by organizations such as the Global Fund, World Bank, and USAID.

Over the next decade, the program could save up to 154,000 lives in Kenya and Tanzania by addressing critical conditions like pneumonia, preterm birth complications, and surgical emergencies.

It also strengthens health security by ensuring better preparedness for future respiratory pandemics.

The program aligns with broader efforts to enhance local production of essential medical supplies in Africa, supporting initiatives like the Africa CDC’s Partnership for the Harmonization of African Health Products Manufacturing.

“The project’s sustainability rests on three pillars: well-placed infrastructure, long-term budgeting for liquid oxygen supply, and innovative financing mechanisms to lower costs and ensure reliable access,” said CHAI Vice President Gerald Macharia.

The Mombasa plant, one of four planned facilities, has officially broken ground. Once operational, it will distribute medical oxygen through an expanded network, reaching even the most underserved areas.

This initiative is expected to transform healthcare across East Africa by making medical oxygen more accessible and affordable.

Partner Perspectives

Hewatele (Kenya): “Hewatele is proud to be part of the EAPOA initiative,” said CEO Dr. Zulfiqar Wali. “We will launch Phase Two of our liquid oxygen expansion program to further increase production and distribution to health facilities in Eastern Africa.”

Synergy (Kenya): “Our advanced air separation units will substantially increase liquid oxygen output,” said Managing Director Paras Pandya. “By improving manufacturing techniques and distribution, we aim to reduce costs while ensuring last-mile delivery.”

TOL Gases Limited (Tanzania): “This initiative marks a turning point in oxygen access across the region,” said Managing Director Daniel Warungu. “We are committed to ensuring medical oxygen is accessible to every patient in need.”

MedAccess: “Oxygen is essential for critical care and surgery,” said CEO Michael Anderson. “This partnership combines global expertise and innovative financing to expand access for hundreds of thousands of people in Kenya and Tanzania.”

PATH: “Engaging communities is key to breaking barriers in healthcare access,” said Dr. Nanthalile Mugala, PATH’s Chief for Africa. “PATH is eager to support this groundbreaking initiative.”