Many of the world’s most pressing global health challenges cannot be solved alone. That’s why today, on World Pneumonia Day, we’re proud to celebrate our partnership with FREO2 Foundation, an organisation focused on reducing child mortality from respiratory illnesses in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
Pneumonia is a leading cause of child mortality, killing more children than any other infectious disease. It claims the lives of over 700,000 children under five every year, or around 2,000 every day. This includes around 190,000 newborns. Almost all of these deaths are preventable.
FREO2 was founded in 2016 to address this urgent challenge. Today, they improve access to life-saving oxygen. This includes the FREO2 Oxygen as a Service (O2aas) model, which comprises innovative products ensuring an uninterrupted oxygen supply, clinical training for timely diagnosis and treatment, and technical training for sustainable maintenance and support.
When we first met with FREO2, we immediately recognised a shared commitment to reducing health inequalities for children, especially newborns. As we scale our AdaraNewborn model across 10 health facilities in Uganda, we’re focusing on the biggest factors influencing maternal and newborn care – from health worker training to the infrastructure, equipment and supplies a health facility needs to succeed. This includes oxygen, which has been shown to significantly reduce pneumonia mortality by up to 35%.
We began working with FREO2 in 2021 when they installed their oxygen system at AdaraNewborn site, Nakaseke Hospital. They also provide training and support for around 20 staff each year on its use. An important component was the biomedical training provided to five staff in the maintenance and repair of medical equipment to ensure the oxygen system’s longevity and continued use.
In September this year, we expanded our partnership to our latest AdaraNewborn site, Luwero Hospital, where FREO2 installed an oxygen system. The Luwero newborn unit has only been open since January 2024. Already, they are seeing around 200 babies admitted each quarter, and this number is growing. Training was conducted by FREO2 with 12 doctors, nurses and biomedical engineers. We will provide regular mentorship to embed and grow their skills over time.
Dr. Susan Tino, our Director of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, emphasised the importance of this work: “Access to oxygen is crucial for supporting newborns with a variety of conditions. We’re grateful for our partnership with FREO2 which will enable AdaraNewborn facilities to have a reliable, affordable and accessible oxygen solution. This work is particularly poignant as we recognise World Pneumonia Day, reminding us of the ongoing fight against this preventable condition.”
As we look ahead, our partnership with FREO2 will extend to the remaining seven AdaraNewborn facilities. Together, we will install oxygen systems and provide comprehensive training to staff, ensuring that all newborns receive the best possible care.
Aminah Nanyondo, FREO2 Uganda Country Manager, added: “The partnership between FREO2 and Adara is dedicated to ensuring that newborns in Uganda receive the oxygen they need to survive and thrive. Together, we’re empowering health workers to provide better care for infants battling conditions like pneumonia and birth asphyxia, which are leading causes of death in children. As we mark World Pneumonia Day, FREO2 and Adara remain committed to ensuring that every child has access to lifesaving oxygen.” Our partnership with FREO2 is critical to our goal of halving maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths at AdaraNewborn facilities. By providing essential resources and support – including access to oxygen – we are making strides toward a future where every newborn can survive and thrive.
