Africa
Zambia
Programs
COVID-19
Achievements
Negotiated a price reduction for liquid medical oxygen with the sole supplier, from US$1,000 per tonne to approximately US$700. In November 2024, the supply of oxygen at the lower price was introduced at two initial facilities.
Quantified the medical oxygen demand for all Level 2 hospitals and above—including faith-based hospitals—thereby assisting the Ministry of Health to proactively plan for oxygen needs. This information has been used to align other partner investments and as input to the national epidemic quantification for 2025–2027 and the national annual quantification of drugs and commodities for 2025.
Secured government support for oxygen investments, including land and a dedicated power supply, for the construction of a new oxygen-producing air separation unit as part of efforts to disrupt the monopoly on liquid oxygen supply in the country.
Developed a liquid oxygen training package for clinicians and biomedical engineers and trained more than 50 health workers from 10 facilities in preparation for the use of liquid oxygen in their respective facilities.
Assisted 15 high-volume facilities in establishing medical oxygen committees to manage oxygen needs in accordance with guidance from the World Health Organization. These committees comprised clinical care heads, pharmacists, biomedical engineers, and hospital administrators. As a result, hospitals are better equipped to meet oxygen needs, with the oxygen committees responsible for reordering based on demand to prevent stockouts.
Technical areas
Clinical care
Oxygen ecosystem strengthening
COVID-19 vaccination
Supporting the health workforce
Laboratory and diagnostics strengthening
Partners
Clinton Health Access Initiative