The World Health Organization (WHO) specified that Ukrainian hospitals could run out of oxygen supplies in the next 24 hours as Russia’s invasion hinders transit across the nation, putting thousands of more lives in danger. Trucks are unable to transport oxygen supplies from plants to hospitals across the country including the capital, Kyiv, which was hit by a barrage of Russian missile attacks.
In a joint statement, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Europe Regional Director Hans Kluge, WHO Director-General, noted that the oxygen supply situation in Ukraine is approaching a critical point. They also indicated that the bulk of hospitals’ oxygen supply could be depleted in the next 24 hours. Some of the supplies have already run out. Thousands of lives are at risk as a result of this.
The United Nations also reported that the number of Omicron Covid infections in Ukraine increased by 555 percent between January 15 and February 25. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is a UN agency that coordinates humanitarian aid.
As residents flee the Russian assault, the country faces a greater danger of Covid infection. Based on the statement of the United Nations, another Covid Pandemic, along with an increase in the number of persons injured in the fighting, will put even more strain on Ukraine’s already overburdened healthcare system.
The oxygen supplies are important for Ukraine’s 1,700 COVID-19 patients, as well as others with serious illnesses resulting from pregnancy, chronic ailments, childbirth, injuries, and sepsis according to the United Nations.
A lack of zeolite, a component essential to generate the life-saving gas, is affecting medical oxygen generator manufacturers in numerous sections of the eastern European country. It’s proven challenging to get zeolite, which is largely imported, to various parts of Ukraine, as per Live Science.
Oxygen Depletion
Ukraine requires 25% more oxygen than it did prior to Russia’s invasion on February 24. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that it is looking for measures to enhance supplies to the besieged country, including establishing a safe transit route through Poland.
Electricity and power shortages have also put critical medical services at risk, while ambulances transporting patients are at risk of being caught in the crossfire.
As stated by the United Nations, Ukraine has suffered at least 240 civilian casualties since the Russian incursion began, including 64 deaths and 176 injuries. The United Nations, on the other hand, The United Nations’ humanitarian organization estimates that the true number of civilians killed is much higher, according to CNBC.
The World Health Organization has been assisting Ukrainian health officials in addressing the country’s current oxygen supply demands. However, oxygen-related materials would need to travel safely, which would necessitate a logistics route through Poland.
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