WHO and USAID deliver medical O2 systems to Ukrainian hospitals

WHO with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided hospitals in Ukraine with medical oxygen generators to treat patients in need of medical oxygen due to trauma, acute respiratory diseases and Covid-19.

WHO in Ukraine delivered the systems to hospitals in Kharkiv and Chernihiv, where they will produce medical oxygen for patients onsite for up to 20 years, thanks to the support of the American people through USAID.

WHO has provided a full scope of services related to the oxygen systems, including installation; commissioning of training for health-care workers on how to use them; and provision of spare parts, extended warranty, preventive maintenance services and transport.

“WHO is supporting Ukraine’s health system with oxygen capacity in order to treat patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and Covid-19, and trauma cases. Medical oxygen is a vital component in the delivery of surgeries and many medical interventions,” explained Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine.

“Access to medical oxygen has been placed under threat during attacks on critical infrastructure and health care in Ukraine, and it is essential that health-care facilities be provided with necessary support in this area.”

Ben Zinner, Director of USAID/Ukraine’s Health Office, added, “USAID has committed over US$ 100 million to help meet the urgent health needs of the Ukrainian people during wartime, focusing on support to hard-hit cities such as Kharkiv and Chernihiv. In addition to meeting urgent needs today, we are helping Ukraine strengthen and reform its health systems to enable a resilient recovery from the war, and better meet patient needs in the future.”
MB Bureau