This child is receiving oxygen through a solar-powered concentrator – an innovative solution that can save lives in places with frequent power shortages, such as this hospital in Somalia.
Pneumonia accounts for 800 000 deaths per year of which 20-40 % could be saved with oxygen, and COVID-19 has accelerated global demand for medical oxygen.
Between February and March 2021, solar-powered oxygen concentrators were installed in a regional children’s hospital in Galmudug state, Somalia. This innovation pilot has already saved many lives (and counting).
This successful pilot of the WHO Innovation Scaling Framework was led by WHO Country, Regional and government partners, facilitated by the WHO Innovation team along with contributions from WHO technical departments, innovators and funders. It illustrates how innovation can go hand in hand with existing programmes and help address barriers.
