The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Fund have partnered to deliver medical oxygen to hospitals across Sudan. Experts say the initiative will strengthen oxygen supply systems in health facilities affected by conflict.

UNDP and Global Fund To Provide Oxygen Supply in Sudan

The partnership between UNDP and the Global Fund focuses on expanding access to reliable medical oxygen for hospitals treating newborns, children, and critically ill patients. Through the initiative, UNDP and the Global Fund will install oxygen generation plants to ensure an uninterrupted supply in facilities where shortages have posed serious risks to patients.

As part of the partnership, the Sudanese Federal Ministry of Health will offer supervisory and ground support for the initiative.

UNDP said oxygen access remains critical for neonatal and emergency care, particularly in hospitals operating under pressure. Dr. Um Salama from the Neonatal Unit of Al Managil Children’s Hospital hailed the partnership as key to reducing infant mortality in the region.

“80% of newborns admitted to our unit need oxygen. With the new plant, we now have a steady supply, which helps us serve better and reduce deaths,” she said.

In the last five years, The Global Fund has invested over $564 million across 83 countries to expand access to medical oxygen. Consequently, the Global Fund is the world’s largest funder of medical oxygen with extensive reach in low and middle-income countries.

“80% of newborns admitted to our unit need oxygen. With the new plant, we now have a steady supply, it helps us serve better and reduce deaths.”

– Dr. Um Salama, Al Managil Children’s Hospital@UNDP, with @GlobalFund and @FMOH_SUDAN, is delivering oxygen directly to hospitals. pic.twitter.com/hwMziNnAzQ

— UNDP Sudan (@UNDP_Sudan) January 14, 2026

Meanwhile, the Global Fund is pushing for oxygen supply as a core element of health systems and not a temporary measure. Per the Global Fund, oxygen is important and must be available to save lives and support resilient healthcare delivery.

Beyond equipment installation, the collaboration will integrate oxygen systems into normal hospital operations. UNDP and the Global Fund will work with health and facility teams to ensure that oxygen supply remains functional and sustainable over time.

Oxygen Access and Long-Term Health Impact in Sudan

The initiative aligns with the Global Fund’s Global Oxygen Strategic Framework and Investment Case, which calls for increased investment to expand oxygen access in low and middle-income countries. The framework identifies oxygen as a lifesaving intervention given its utility in the treatment of pneumonia, tuberculosis, and other severe conditions.

Meanwhile, Sudan’s health sector continues to suffer due to ongoing conflict, displacement, and damage to infrastructure. In the last couple of years, there has been a massive cholera outbreak with over 43,000 confirmed cases as the humanitarian crisis in the country deepens.