On February 26, 2026, a new four-year initiative was announced to accelerate access to reliable medical oxygen in low- and middle-income countries. The program, Innovations for Enhanced Access to Oxygen (INNOVATE), is funded by Unitaid and led by PATH, with Build Health International (BHI) serving as a consortium partner.

Medical oxygen is fundamental to safe surgery and emergency care. It is critical for treating pneumonia, sepsis, malaria, trauma, and other conditions that cause dangerously low blood oxygen levels. Yet in many settings, oxygen systems remain fragile.

While new supply has expanded since the COVID-19 pandemic, long-term reliability continues to be a challenge. Oxygen plants require technical expertise to operate. Piping systems demand skilled installation. Spare parts and maintenance are often difficult to secure. Limited financing makes it hard for facilities to keep systems functioning over time.

When oxygen systems fail, clinical care is interrupted.

INNOVATE aims to address these challenges by pairing new technologies with practical strategies that strengthen installation, operation, and long-term maintenance. The goal is not only to expand supply, but to ensure oxygen systems function reliably day after day.

Funded by Unitaid and led by PATH, the INNOVATE consortium includes: Build Health International (BHI), Global Health Informatics Institute, Indian Institute of Technology – Bombay, Karolinska Institute, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Oxygen for Life Initiative

Together, the partners bring expertise in engineering, clinical research, health systems strengthening, and market development to advance sustainable and dignified healthcare.

Learn more about the INNOVATE initiative and its global impact on Unitaid’s website.