FREO2
Shared cost model or subscription fee-based model providing O2aaS, alongside a hub-and-spoke maintenance model in Tanzania
Key stats
18,000
Over 18,000 children treated
1403
1403 healthcare workers trained
67
67 facilities in Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and the Solomon Islands
50%
Cost of delivering oxygen services reduced by 50%
Business Model
Results to Date
FREO2 Foundation delivers life-saving Oxygen-as-a-Service (O2aaS) to rural healthcare facilities in Tanzania, Uganda, and the Solomon Islands. Currently, 78 systems serve 67 facilities, providing Oxylink oxygen concentrators, energy stabilisers, backup cylinders, pulse oximeters, consumables, and ‘swap-and-go’ responsive maintenance. The service ensures uninterrupted oxygen supply through power outages, alongside installation, 24/7 monitoring, and clinical training for healthcare workers.
FREO2 is testing a shared cost model for public facilities and a subscription fee-based model based on bed capacity for others. FREO2 retains equipment ownership and minimises downtime through a hub-and-spoke maintenance model. This affordable, full-service package empowers healthcare workers to deliver reliable oxygen therapy.
FREO2’s solutions have significantly improved oxygen reliability and cost-effectiveness. In a Ugandan trial, FREO2 maintained 100% oxygen availability despite 215 power outages in three months, reducing quarterly oxygen costs by 71% from $1,500 to $439 compared to cylinders. FREO2 systems have halved oxygen delivery costs and reduced the cost of treating paediatric respiratory illnesses by 30%.
Scale and Impact
Since 2018, FREO2 has served 70 healthcare facilities in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and the Solomon Islands, treating 18,000 children and enabling 355,000 treatments over the systems’ lifetimes. Currently, 76 FREO2 systems are operational, supporting 390 beds. The program has trained 1,403 healthcare workers, improving knowledge by 43.4%, along with training 22 technicians in oxygen system maintenance.
Pulse oximetry pilots at the dispensary level in Tanzania have enabled early detection of respiratory distress, resulting in 50+ newborn referrals to specialised care. A clinical trial in Uganda showed that FREO2’s pulse oximetry training doubled the likelihood of children requiring oxygen therapy receiving it.
History
Founded in 2013 to combat child mortality from respiratory illnesses, FREO2 Foundation has evolved into a global nonprofit delivering oxygen to underserved areas since 2018.
Operating with a blend of local and international staff, FREO2 employs technicians through a decentralised ‘hub-and-spoke’ model, ensuring rapid servicing of facilities. A governance structure comprising a board of directors and management team oversees its operations.
Learn more about FREO2 and the work they are doing on their website