The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) has become an official member of the Global Oxygen Alliance (GO2AL), a collaborative effort to ensure safe, affordable and equitable access to medical oxygen for those in need.
Dr Cassandra Kelly-Cirino, Executive Director of The Union, explains: “As we all know, oxygen is vital for life. Yet most health facilities in low- and middle-income countries do not have access to medical oxygen, for which there is no substitute.
“Tackling such devastating inequity is what has driven The Union since 1920, which is why we are thrilled to have joined this collective that is so closely aligned with our vision – a healthier world for all, free of tuberculosis and lung disease.”
The Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Oxygen Security reports that more than 5 billion people lack access to safe, affordable, and quality medical oxygen services – and in low- and middle-income countries, around 70% of people requiring acute medical oxygen cannot access it.
Robert Matiru, Director of Program Division, Unitaid (organisational co-chair of GO2AL) says: “We are delighted to welcome The Union as a new member of the Global Oxygen Alliance. Their longstanding leadership in lung health, their deep engagement in high-burden countries and the truly global community which they bring together offer invaluable expertise to our shared mission. Strengthening access to life-saving medical oxygen requires collective action, and this partnership further reinforces our ability to deliver sustainable solutions for people who need them most.”
GO2AL is composed of leading health and development agencies, multilateral development banks and civil society organisations, including the World Health Organization and the Gates Foundation.
Cassandra adds: “The Union is committed to playing its role as the pathfinder of the lung health community. I am confident that our technical, educational and knowledge dissemination skills can enhance GO2AL’s ability to create a world in which safe, affordable, high-quality medical oxygen is available across sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Pacific and beyond. Our world-class membership will enable us to bring on board a strong, dedicated and broader network of lung health experts to address this dreadful inequity.”