Access to medical oxygen cannot be overlooked in the global NCD agenda

As world leaders gather for the Fourth High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing, the Global Oxygen Alliance (GO₂AL) calls for urgent action to address one of the most overlooked yet essential treatments for many NCDs – oxygen therapy.

Chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and others, are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Their burden continues to rise: between 1990 and 2019, deaths increased by nearly 30% and prevalence by almost 40%. Each year, these conditions affect 480 million people, including 96 million children under 15, and cause 4 million deaths. The economic toll is staggering, with the cost of COPD alone projected to reach nearly US $40 trillion by 2050.

For millions living with severe hypoxemia due to COPD and other respiratory illnesses, long-term oxygen therapy is a vital lifeline, improving and extending life. Yet in many low- and middle-income countries, reliable access remains out of reach for most who need it.

“Oxygen therapy is critical for saving lives — both from communicable and non-communicable diseases”, said Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund and Co-Chair of GO2AL. “In a post-COVID pandemic world, the critical role of medical oxygen in global health systems is all the more evident. Sustained global investments are imperative to expanding access to this lifesaving therapy.”

Oxygen is not only a critical treatment for acute conditions like pneumonia and COVID-19; it is also an indispensable tool for managing chronic diseases, enabling patients to live healthier and more productive lives. Strengthening oxygen access is, therefore, a direct investment in NCD prevention, treatment, and equity.

“Children should not lose their futures to conditions we already know how to prevent and treat”, said Helga Fogstad, Director of UNICEF’s Health Programme. “Asthma, diabetes, and congenital heart disease are robbing too many young lives. By investing in prevention, early diagnosis, and making lifesaving essentials like oxygen widely available, we can give every child the chance to survive and thrive. UNICEF stands ready to work alongside governments and partners to ensure that no child is left behind in this fight.”

Meeting global targets for NCDs and universal health coverage will not be possible without closing the oxygen gap. GO₂AL urges governments, donors, and partners to:

Invest in sustainable, reliable oxygen systems to make long-term therapy affordable and accessible in homes and health facilities, and to strengthen oxygen data, infrastructure, and supply chains so oxygen is available where and when it is needed.

Include oxygen access as a critical part of relevant global and national policies, programs, and budgets; and for national governments to align with existing World Health Organization NCD management guidelines.

Mobilize action toward prevention of long-term oxygen need in LMICs, and establish long-term oxygen therapy programs alongside countries’ other essential health package priorities.

“Reliable access to safe medical oxygen is not a luxury, it is a lifesaving medicine and a foundation of resilient health systems”, said Dr Philippe Duneton, Executive Director of Unitaid and Co-Chair of GO₂AL. “Yet far too many people remain without it when it is needed most. As co-chair of GO₂AL, Unitaid is committed to working with governments and partners to turn this inequity into action, building sustainable oxygen systems that can save lives today and strengthen health systems for the future.”

These actions echo GO₂AL’s 2025-2030 Investment Case, which sets out a costed, practical roadmap for scaling sustainable oxygen access, reinforce the findings of the Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Oxygen Security report, which highlights that expanding oxygen access is essential for resilient health systems and universal health coverage, and further support the recent Commission statement on access to medical oxygen for NCDs.

“Medical oxygen is an essential medicine, yet it remains out of reach for too many people living with chronic respiratory diseases. Expanding access to safe, reliable medical oxygen is not only lifesaving—it is also fundamental to advancing universal health coverage and building stronger, more resilient health systems. WHO stands with partners in the Global Oxygen Alliance in urging governments and the global community to close the oxygen gap and ensure that no one is left behind.” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, the Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Control.

GO₂AL stands ready to work with all stakeholders to close this gap, moving from a reality of health for some, to a shared vision of health for all.