WHO, UNITAID Form Task Force to Secure Oxygen for COVID Patients

Voice of America
24 Feb 2021, 02:05 GMT+10

The World Health Organization, the global health initiative UNITAID and a consortium of partners Tuesday announced a new task force to secure oxygen supplies for COVID-19 patients in low and middle-income nations.

Speaking to reporters at the United Nations' Geneva headquarters, UNITAID spokesman Herve Verhoosel said low-and-middle-income nations have faced challenges maintaining oxygen supplies since the pandemic started. He said some hospitals have simply run out, resulting in preventable deaths.

Verhoosel said more than 500,000 people in low- and middle-income countries currently need more than 1.1 million cylinders of oxygen per day, equal to eight million cubic meters.

Based on assessments provided by WHO's Health Emergencies Program,

task force members are hoping to raise $90 million to address oxygen needs in up to 20 countries, including Malawi, Nigeria and Afghanistan.

Verhoosel said UNITAID and another task force member group, the health research foundation WELLCOME, will provide the initial $20 million, and they will determine the most urgent, short-term needs as well overall funding needed for the next year.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Japan Herald.

More Information

null in null

Asia Pacific

Section

Beijing hits back at EU with medical device import curbs

HONG KONG: China has fired back at the European Union in an escalating trade dispute by imposing new restrictions on medical device...

Interview: Philippines burdened by South China Sea arbitration, says expert

The arbitration has in fact become an anchor around the Filipino people's neck, weighing the nation down economically, said Herman...

Floods near Nepal-China border disrupt Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage; TAAN urges diplomatic action

Kathmandu [Nepal], July 12 (ANI): The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), an umbrella organisation of mountain tourism entrepreneurs,...

"Every Indian is elated with this recognition": PM Modi as 'Maratha Military Landscapes' gets UNESCO tag

New Delhi [India], July 12 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stated that every India is elated with this recognition...

Pat Cummins to miss South Africa white-ball series, focuses on Ashes preparation

Kingston [Jamaica], July 12 (ANI): Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins is set to sit out next month's white-ball series against South...

Australia mull leaving out Nathan Lyon for Sabina Park pink-ball Test

Kingston [Jamaica], July 12 (ANI): The combination of the pink ball and the conditions at Sabina Park has prompted Australia to reassess...

Business

Section