February 11, 2021
"Suffering will continue unless we tackle this crisis": COVID-19 exposes long-standing medical oxygen gap
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a long-neglected public health crisis: people dying due to lack of oxygen.
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The Issue
Pneumonia and diarrhea are the two largest killers of children under five globally, responsible for nearly one and a half million deaths each year. Although simple and effective solutions exist to treat these illnesses, too many children in resource-limited countries do not have access to them. Vaccinations can reduce diarrhea-related deaths by up to half, while treatment with zinc and oral rehydration salts (ORS) can save the lives of 93 percent of children. For pneumonia, timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment is critical. If children with pneumonia are left untreated, even mild cases can become deadly.
CHAI's Approach
In countries that account for almost 40 percent of all deaths from diarrhea and pneumonia worldwide, CHAI works with governments to reduce market barriers and improve access to and usage of medications and equipment that will save lives. Diarrhea is the second largest killer of children, and even if children survive, repeated episodes can have serious long-term impacts on their growth and make them vulnerable to other illnesses. When CHAI began our program in 2012, only one-third of children that needed lifesaving ORS treatment received it. Zinc usage rates were even worse. Working with our partners in Nigeria, India, Uganda, and Kenya, we have increased the percentage of children with diarrhea receiving zinc/ORS from less than one percent to 24 percent. Our strategy is holistic – addressing both the supply and demand barriers while ensuring children receive the right treatment wherever they seek care.
Pneumonia is the largest single killer of children worldwide. Our program, launched in 2016, builds on the success of our diarrhea work. We are partnering with five countries— Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, India, and Kenya— to ensure that every child seeking treatment for respiratory illness is accurately diagnosed and quickly treated. We work with suppliers globally and locally to increase access to optimal tools for diagnosis such as pulse oximetry, as well as treatment, including Amoxicillin dispersible tablets to treat non-severe cases and oxygen therapy and antibiotics to treat severe pneumonia.
Learn more about our work to make oxygen therapy more accessible.
Learn more about our work to make oxygen therapy more accessible.
Results
24%
average combined zinc/ORS usage across our partner countries, up from 1%
42%
reduction in average cost of zinc/ORS treatment
Spotlight
Our Work
Join Our Team
CHAI is looking for dynamic and self-motivated individuals who are committed to strengthening health systems around the world and expanding access to care and treatment of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other illnesses.
View All CHAI Positions View Program Positions
Join Our Team
CHAI is looking for dynamic and self-motivated individuals who are committed to strengthening health systems around the world and expanding access to care and treatment of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other illnesses.
View All CHAI Positions View Program Positions