South Asia COVID-19 Response: 4,759 Oxygen Concentrators Sent and Counting

Thanks to an outpouring of support, Community Partners International and partners have sent 4,759 oxygen concentrators to India on five relief flights. They have been distributed to more than 70 health facilities in 19 states and territories where needs are greatest. At least 500 more are scheduled to be shipped later this month.

Each concentrator can be used by as many as 60 people each month. So, many thousands of mothers, fathers, grandparents, sisters, and brothers struggling for breath in South Asia are now receiving the lifesaving oxygen support that they desperately need to survive COVID-19.

Many individuals and organizations are helping to make this happen. Community Partners International, Navya, and Direct Relief are supporting fundraising and logistics. FedEx and Air India are shipping the equipment free of charge. In India, Tata Memorial Centre is leading last-mile distribution through its eight centers and the consortium of 250 hospitals that form the National Cancer Grid. Thanks to this team effort, the concentrators are reaching those in need all over India in a few days.

Community Partners International is now expanding the response effort to help other countries in South Asia struggling with COVID-19. As well as sourcing locally, we are sending a shipment of 130 concentrators to Nepal later this month. We are also in touch with health providers in Sri Lanka and Pakistan to support their efforts.