On World Oxygen Day, Unitaid is proud to highlight the critical work we support to expand access to lifesaving oxygen therapy for newborns and children in low-resource settings. Every year, nearly 5 million children die before their first birthday, with respiratory distress being one of the leading causes.
While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective solution, it remains out of reach for many due to high costs and the need for electricity and compressed air – resources that are often unavailable in rural or remote hospitals. This lack of access often forces clinicians to use devices designed for adults on infants, which are often ill-suited and can cause serious harm. Oxygen, when not delivered in the correct dosage, can lead to permanent blindness, lung damage, or even brain injury.
To address this, Unitaid has partnered with Vayu Global Health to deliver affordable solutions for babies and newborns in need of oxygen support. The Vayu Bubble CPAP and Oxygen Blender systems are designed to provide just the right amount of oxygen safely, without the need for electricity, making them ideal for hard-to-reach areas. These devices are also far more cost-effective than traditional alternatives.
Too much oxygen can harm babies. Did you know?
So far, over 160,000 babies in 31 countries have been treated with Vayu’s systems, including in conflict-affected areas like Ukraine, where preterm births have surged. Importantly, the device is manufactured in Kenya, supporting local economies while also building regional capacity to produce essential medical equipment.
As we celebrate World Oxygen Day, Unitaid’s partnership with Vayu is making a vital difference by helping ensure that babies everywhere, no matter where they are born, have access to the life-saving oxygen therapy they need to survive and thrive.
