Scaling up medical oxygen in the Pacific: Life-saving oxygen plant now operational in Kiritimati

As of July, the oxygen plant in Kiritimati can fill up to 24 oxygen cylinders with medical oxygen in 24 hours. This means, that the facility can now support four patients with severe COVID-19 simultaneously, providing much-needed relief to the local healthcare system.

Until July, the Kiritimati community living on the island had limited access to medical oxygen, particularly in the case of a surge in need. For approximately 6500 people, the hospital in Kiritimati relied on shipments by sea of cylinders from the closest medical plant at the national referral hospital in South Tarawa, more than 3320 km.

Over the past two years, WHO, the European Unionand the Ministry of Health and Medical Services of Kiribati, worked closely together to deliver the plant to Kiritimati. The investment of almost US$500,000 covered the manufacturing, transportation of the plant, construction materials, commissioning and testing of the plant, training for health workers, and the provision of spare parts and oxygen cylinders and related accessories.

Hon Minister for Health, Dr Tinte Itinteang highlighted the importance of securing reliable oxygen supply for the London Kiritimati hospital and nearby health facilities: "Due to the remoteness of this hospital, it is important that the facility is able to deliver key services to the local community. Having an oxygen plant on site will ensure the facility can deal with any fluctuations of demand for life-saving oxygen and is an important part of our strengthening of health facilities in Kiribati."

The Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, Her Excellency Barbara Plinkert said, "We are pleased to be able to bridge the gap between isolation and access, ensuring that even the most distant regions have the breath of life and the promise of quality healthcare. The delivery of a new oxygen plant in Kiritimati is vital, even after the worst phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. We would like to express our gratitude to the Kiribati Ministry of Health and the WHO for their partnership."

From 2 to 11 July, WHO commissioned the plant and conducted three-days theoretical training combined with two-days practical training including hands-on trouble-shooting techniques. This comprehensive training is designed to empower local staff to ensure the plant's smooth operation and sustainability.

"This new facility marks a significant milestone in improving healthcare to our communities. The training will help our staff to ensure that they are able to support the running of this essential plant, which is very beneficial to our community," said Dr Teraira Bangao from the Kiritimati District Hospital. "We greatly appreciate the support of WHO and donors to make us better prepared to face future disasters and outbreaks," he added about the plant supported by the funding from the EU.

WHO/Stefan Adriaensens

"I am pleased that we have been able to help Kiritimati Island to have improved and more reliable access to medical oxygen," said Dr Wendy Snowdon, WHO Country Liaison Officer in Kiribati. "This is the result of a close collaboration with the Ministry of Health team throughout and strong support from a number of agencies in Kiribati."

In response to identified medical oxygen deficiencies in the Pacific and to bolster preparedness and response efforts, WHO has been helping Pacific island countries to have a steady supply of medicinal oxygen for patients with respiratory diseases since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Until July 2024, eight Pacific island countries have commissioned new medical oxygen plants.