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The Minister of Health Hon Dr. Elijah J. Muchima yesterday presided over the official commissioning of the new medical production oxygen plant at Kasama General Hospital to mark its successful completion
- UNOPS is establishing six oxygen plants, worth USD 10.4 million, with funding provided by The Global Fund
- This initiative constitutes a significant milestone in the continued enhancement of healthcare delivery in Zambia.
Kasama, 07 May 2025― Located in Northern Province, the newly commissioned medical production oxygen plant will serve healthcare institutions within and beyond the region, ensuring a stable and sustainable supply of oxygen for the treatment of respiratory and emergency conditions.
This milestone underscores the government’s continued commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and ensuring life-saving medical resources are accessible to all Zambians.
UNOPS managed the procurement and construction of this medical production oxygen plant, which will significantly improve healthcare services in the region by providing consistent access to medical oxygen. This development marks another key milestone in advancing healthcare infrastructure. To date, it is the third medical oxygen plant to be completed and officially handed over. In May 2024, UNOPS, in partnership with UNICEF, the Government of Sweden, and the Ministry of Health, inaugurated the medical oxygen plant at Kitwe Teaching Hospital.
In November 2024, UNOPS, in partnership with the Global Fund and the Ministry of Health, commissioned the medical production oxygen plant at the National Heart Hospital in Lusaka.
While the remaining medical production oxygen plants are also ready for commissioning at Kabwe Central Hospital (Central Province), Chinsali General Hospital (Muchinga Province), and Kalindawalo General Hospital (Eastern Province); work is ongoing on the at St Paul’s Mission Hospital in Nchelenge (Luapula Province). These plants will collectively enhance oxygen supply capacity across all targeted provinces.
The medical production oxygen plants employ Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology, which extracts oxygen from ambient air under pressure. In addition to plant installation, the project encompasses the full design, procurement, and installation of oxygen distribution systems—including pipelines and manifolds—ensuring continuous oxygen flow to critical hospital departments. Each facility will also be equipped with a standby generator and a skip truck for oxygen cylinder transport.
Minister of Health, Hon Dr. Elijah J. Muchima, MP stated:
“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema. I also extend my gratitude to the Global Fund and UNOPS for their unwavering dedication and collaboration. Your commitment to the well-being of the people of Zambia will make significant impacts in the fight against respiratory illnesses. Let us celebrate this achievement, nurture our partnership, and continue working together to build a healthier and more resilient future for all.“
UNOPS Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Rainer Frauenfeld, stated: “The handover of this second medical oxygen plant is a testament to our unwavering commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and ensuring access to life-saving oxygen. Together with a third plant already delivered in partnership with UNICEF, these installations bring us closer to a future where no patient is left behind due to lack of essential resources. With four more plants to deliver, we remain focused, dedicated, and proud to stand with our partners in supporting quality healthcare for all.”
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Press contact details:
Leticia Wanyagi
Communications, UNOPS East and Southern Africa Multi-Country Office
Nairobi, Kenya
leticiaw@unops.org
About UNOPS
UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more: www.unops.org
About The Global Fund
The Global Fund is a leading international financing organization dedicated to combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. By mobilizing resources and partnering with governments, civil society, and the private sector, the Global Fund works to accelerate progress toward ending these epidemics. Read more: www.theglobalfund.org