UNITAID EXPLORE

UnitaidExplore, a new and flexible funding mechanism for small projects with potential to deliver transformational change, launched its first call in February 2020 for innovations that increase access to oxygen therapy in low-resource settings.

The aim of the initiative is to reach non-traditional partners and seize opportunities to keep pace with innovation.

UnitaidExplore projects will make 6-24 month investments ranging from US$ 500,000 to US$ 2 million that fund results, based on achieving milestones agreed in advance.

With its first initiative, UnitaidExplore will invest in a portable oxygen therapy device that can operate off grid, while requiring low maintenance and providing high-quality oxygen to patients. The objective is to find solutions that can work well in low-resource settings and treat children under the age of five.

Timely access to oxygen therapy can make the difference between life and death when treating patients with moderate to severe disease including COVID-19.