By Michelle Ndaga
The Ministry of Health has flagged off a major consignment of oxygen accessories under the Global Fund COVID-19 Response Mechanism – Oxygen Infrastructure Project, marking another milestone in efforts to strengthen Kenya’s health systems and improve access to lifesaving oxygen across all 47 counties.
Fully funded by the Global Fund, the new consignment comprises 470 multiparameter patient monitors, 10,000 wall outlet flowmeters, and 612 oxygen analysers. These will be distributed to health facilities nationwide, complementing the 20,620 oxygen cylinders previously supplied under earlier phases of the initiative.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the new equipment underscores Kenya’s determination to build a resilient oxygen ecosystem and advance its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
“This milestone represents significant progress in strengthening our health systems and ensuring that every Kenyan from newborns to patients in critical care has access to safe and reliable oxygen therapy,” Duale said.
He explained that the accessories are critical for delivering safe, effective, and patient-tailored oxygen therapy, enabling healthcare workers to administer the right flow rate and minimize complications. The new equipment, he noted, will enhance early oxygen therapy for newborns and support patients suffering from respiratory distress, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and other respiratory conditions.
Duale further emphasized sustainability and capacity-building as key priorities for the Ministry, announcing plans to calibrate all oxygen equipment every six months and continue training biomedical engineers, pharmacists, and clinicians on proper maintenance and use. He also urged county governments to allocate funds for preventive maintenance, calibration, and spare parts to ensure continued reliability.
The health CS lauded the Global Fund for its financial support and Amref Health Africa for its procurement assistance, stressing that strong partnerships remain central to achieving Kenya’s health goals.
“We are united in purpose to move from oxygen availability to assured access in every ward, theatre, nursery, and ICU, all the way to the last mile,” he affirmed.
Duale was joined at the event by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Amref Health Africa representatives, and the Head of the Health Products and Technologies Directorate, Mr. Tom Menge, among other senior officials.
The latest consignment marks a continued effort to enhance Kenya’s oxygen infrastructure, particularly for rural and underserved communities, and aligns with the government’s long-term goal of achieving equitable, high-quality healthcare for all citizens.
