The Ministry of Health has flagged off a new consignment of oxygen accessories to strengthen Kenya’s health systems and expand oxygen access.

This program was facilitated by the Global Fund COVID-19 Response Mechanism – Oxygen Infrastructure Project.
Global Fund will cater for everything, including 470 multiparameter patient monitors, 10,000 wall outlet flowmeters, and 612 oxygen analysers.

These consignments will be distributed to various health facilities across all 47 counties.

According to the Ministry, the new supplies complement the 20,620 oxygen cylinders previously distributed nationwide.

Speaking during the flagging off event, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the initiative highlights Kenya’s commitment to improving the oxygen ecosystem and transitioning Kenya to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

“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 asserted.

He also said the availability of oxygen accessories is crucial for safe, effective, and patient-tailored oxygen delivery.

Health workers will be able to detect the right flow rate of oxygen in patient’s body while minimizing complications.

“This equipment will enhance early oxygen therapy for newborns and support patients experiencing respiratory distress or living with asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses,” said CS.

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How The Ministry Will Maintain Sustainability

Duale said the ministry will be calibrating the oxygen equipment every six months.

He added that they will ensure all the health workers have the skills needed to operate the equipment.

“We will calibrate all equipment every six months, continue building capacity for health workers, and ensure that our biomedical engineers, pharmacists, and clinicians have the skills needed to manage and maintain this critical equipment,” said Duale.

Additionally, he appreciated the Global Fund for its financial support and Amref Health Africa for procurement support.

Duale Message to County Govts and Health Facilities

CS urged county governments and health facilities to ring-fence funds for preventive maintenance, calibration, and spare parts to guarantee continued functionality and reliability.

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Strong partnerships between government leadership and other key health stakeholders contribute to delivering tangible UHC results.

“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 added.

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Health CS Duale speaking during the launch of the New Oxygen Consignment Accessories. PHOTO/MoH X