Medical oxygen is a critical component of a well-functioning health system, yet only 30 percent of patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) who need oxygen receive it. Key access barriers that drive this coverage gap include (1) supply and delivery challenges, such as limited production capacity, costly installation and maintenance requirements, and inadequate procurement and supply systems; (2) affordability, such as high cost of products and lack of local manufacturers; and (3) demand and adoption barriers, such as limited sustainable funding and limited guidelines.

This fact sheet offers an overview of the INNOVATE project, which aims to address critical barriers to oxygen access. PATH, through a consortium of partners, will catalyze promising oxygen production and piping technologies, along with innovative operation and maintenance business models, to expand equitable access. By strengthening production and delivery capacity in health facilities and improving efficiency across the oxygen value chain, INNOVATE aims to accelerate the adoption of more cost-effective and sustainable solutions.