Alwaleed Philanthropies “Global” and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Form a Powerful Alliance to Tackle COVID-19 Globally

This vital initiative focuses on ensuring that essential therapeutics—most notably medical oxygen—are accessible to patients across multiple countries. The project aims to build long-term, resilient health systems capable of responding effectively to current and future pandemics.

• Expand and secure sustainable access to medical oxygen in healthcare facilities.
• Develop resilient systems to support pandemic preparedness and response.
• Reduce maternal, child, and overall mortality associated with hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels).
• Assist governments in establishing robust, comprehensive oxygen ecosystems.

• 579 medical oxygen facilities across 18 countries.
• 138 bulk tank oxygen systems deployed.

• Successfully supplied 579 medical oxygen units across 18 countries.
• Installed 138 bulk tank systems to enhance oxygen storage and delivery capacity.
• Developed 12 National Oxygen Roadmaps and strategic plans to guide oxygen system development and pandemic response.
• Increased the usage coverage of pulse oximeters—a key device for measuring blood oxygen levels—from 24% to 88%, improving early detection and treatment of hypoxemia.

Moving forward, the project will continue strengthening oxygen delivery infrastructure and expand training for healthcare workers to optimize oxygen therapy. There will be a strong emphasis on sustaining these improvements beyond the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance overall healthcare resilience. The development and implementation of additional national oxygen strategies will be prioritized to ensure lasting impact across all supported countries.