Last Mile Oxygen
Affordable, decentralized oxygen access for frontline health facilities in Kenya
Overview
CPHD’s Last Mile Oxygen Access Initiative is rethinking how health systems deliver medical oxygen. Rather than relying solely on cylinder refills and costly infrastructure, the program introduces a fit-for-purpose oxygen bundle backed by a sustainable financing model, clinical training, and biomedical support.
By equipping primary-level hospitals (Level 2 and 3) with the tools and skills needed to manage oxygen safely, and piloting higher-capacity solutions for referral-level facilities, CPHD aims to reduce preventable deaths from hypoxia, especially among children and mothers in resource-limited settings.
90+
Facilities Equipped
10,800+
Patients Benefited
1,198
Workers Trained
The Problem
Access to medical oxygen remains a major challenge in Kenya’s decentralized health system. Facilities often rely on intermittent supply chains, high-cost cylinder refills, and undertrained staff. These factors can delay care or compromise patient safety.
Limited Capacity
Limited or no on-site oxygen generation capacity at primary care facilities where most patients first seek treatment.
High Costs
High operational costs of oxygen cylinders make sustainable access difficult for resource-limited facilities.
Training Gaps
Inadequate training for clinical and biomedical staff on appropriate oxygen therapy and equipment use.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure gaps for safe oxygen storage, delivery and monitoring at the primary care level.