In responding to COVID-19, WHO has procured and distributed oxygen supplies for vulnerable countries. By December 2020, WHO had sent more than 16 500 oxygen concentrators and 40 000 pulse oximeters and oxygen monitors to 121 countries. These devices will bring broader health benefits, for example to children with severe pneumonia, people undergoing surgery, and pregnant women.
WHO is also working with countries such as Papua New Guinea, Ukraine, Somalia and South Sudan on a more sustainable solution to rising demand: oxygen generation plants.