Easy to use
Lower cost
Regionally produced
Designed for babies
What are the challenges with treating babies in respiratory distress?
Every year, nearly 5 million children die before their first birthday, with respiratory distress being one of the leading causes. But in low- and middle-income countries, equipment designed to treat babies with lifesaving medical oxygen is often too expensive or unavailable or isn’t designed for infants and children. The existing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, for example, requires electricity and compressed air – resources that are often unavailable in rural or remote hospitals – and is designed for adults, not infants and children. Oxygen, when not delivered in the correct dosage, can lead to permanent blindness, lung damage, or even brain injury.
What is the bubble CPAP device?
Designed by Vayu Global Health Innovations and manufactured by Revital Healthcare in Kenya, the bubble CPAP is a simple, affordable device designed specifically for newborns and young children with breathing difficulties. Together with the Vayu Oxygen Blender System, it delivers just the right amount of oxygen without electricity, making it perfect for even the most remote hospitals.
How is Unitaid improving access?
Our support has helped Vayu through the late-stage development and regulatory approval of the bubble CPAP and oxygen blender system. As of 2024, more than 30 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Europe are using the device to treat babies in respiratory distress. The device is also saving lives in Ukraine, where preterm births have surged due to ongoing conflict. With funding from Unitaid and other partners, Vayu is now scaling up production to ensure more babies around the world get the care they need to survive.
