Medical oxygen is a crucial resource that many people around the world lack access to, leading to preventable deaths and decreased quality of life. A recent report co-authored by the University of Auckland highlights the global inequities in medical oxygen access, with five billion people, primarily from low and middle-income countries, lacking access to safe and affordable medical oxygen.
Associate Professor Stephen Howie, a specialist pediatrician and child health researcher at the University of Auckland, played a key role in advising the Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Oxygen Security. His work aims to save lives and improve the quality of care for both children and adults who require medical oxygen.
One area heavily impacted by the lack of medical oxygen was Fiji, particularly during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country faced challenges in ensuring that health facilities had an adequate supply of oxygen to treat patients. The partnership between the Fiji Ministry of Health, the University of Auckland, Cure Kids, and Fiji National University played a crucial role in supporting the pandemic response and addressing the gaps in medical oxygen access.
Dr. Sainimere Boladuadua, a public health medicine specialist and doctoral student at the University of Auckland, is actively involved in advocating for improved access to medical oxygen in the Western Pacific Region. Her research focuses on enhancing access to care for children with acute respiratory infections in Fiji, addressing the rising respiratory conditions and pneumonia-related deaths in the region.
Boladuadua’s work has been further supported by a Fulbright fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, where she collaborates with experts in indigenous health and traditional medicine. She aims to bring back innovative ideas and practices to Aotearoa to improve healthcare access and outcomes for Pacific communities.
The University of Auckland’s commitment to addressing global inequities in medical oxygen access is evident through the research and advocacy efforts of experts like Associate Professor Stephen Howie and Dr. Sainimere Boladuadua. By raising awareness and implementing sustainable solutions, they strive to ensure that no individual, whether child or adult, loses their life due to a lack of access to essential medical oxygen.
