Essential critical care is a missing pillar of global health. Research shows critical illness is common, deadly, and largely untreated in general wards. By making EECC a core part of universal health coverage, health systems can deliver life-saving care to far more patients.

EECC is transforming care for critically ill patients in Tanzania’s Katavi region. With better systems, simple equipment and stronger clinical practice, preventable deaths have fallen — including a historic drop in maternal mortality — as Tanzania expands this lifesaving approach nationwide.

EECC Hubs and country groups around the world are strengthening care for critically ill patients—from new training and assessments to growing national teams and government engagement. This international momentum is helping embed simple, life-saving care in hospitals everywhere.

When Fredrick suffered a severe allergic reaction after eating hazelnuts, EECC-trained staff acted fast with adrenaline, oxygen, and close monitoring. Within hours, he stabilised and returned safely to work—proof that rapid, essential care can turn crisis into recovery.

At Chikankata Mission Hospital in Zambia, staff are embedding EECC into daily care. After in-depth training, 12 ambassadors are leading change across wards — recognising critical illness early, using vital signs charts, and saving lives through simple, timely, life-saving actions.

Eight-month-old Gidion arrived at hospital limp and dehydrated, his tiny body battling sepsis. Thanks to nurses trained in Essential Emergency and Critical Care, he received fluids, antibiotics, and close monitoring—simple, timely interventions that saved his life and gave his family hope.

At Vwawa District Hospital, every acute care staff member has now been trained in Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC). Dr. Stanford Ngeta reports major changes: faster recognition of emergencies, wider use of oxygen devices, and all staff empowered to save lives.

Vital signs offer an early warning that a patient is critically ill. Simple, timely actions — oxygen, fluids, airway support — can prevent death. Evidence from Tanzania shows that responding to danger signs saves lives, proving the power of the basics.

Mauritania has launched its first EECC National Group, led by Dr Bouya Lekhlifa. The team is forming partnerships, meeting the Minister of Health, and planning training and assessments to embed EECC’s simple, life-saving care across hospitals and refugee settings nationwide.

Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC) is vital when ICU beds are scarce. A new Rwandan study shows that nearly three in four critically ill patients never reached ICU, with 44% dying. Research by EECC Global’s founders is helping shape solutions worldwide.

At Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana, clinicians took part in an interactive EECC workshop—building skills in airway, breathing, circulation, and triage. Led by Dr. Ama Bedu-Addo, the training is helping staff deliver life-saving care using simple, effective interventions.

When baby Briana was born silent and limp, EECC-trained nurses acted fast with oxygen, suctioning, and resuscitation. Within minutes, she cried for the first time. Three days later, she went home healthy. Simple, timely care saved her life.

Nine-month-old Jonsoni arrived at hospital in shock—struggling to breathe, barely conscious, and severely dehydrated. When IV access failed, EECC-trained staff used intraosseous fluids through his leg, stabilising him. Thanks to timely action, Jonsoni recovered fully and returned home healthy.

Health workers in Tanzania revealed major risks in moving critically ill patients within hospitals. Poor design, resource shortages, and weak communication made transfers unsafe. The study echoes EECC’s message: simple systems, clear protocols, and essential resources can save lives — even between wards.

This World Anaesthesia Day, we spotlight the shared foundations of safe anaesthesia and Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC): oxygen, monitoring, airway management and trained teams. Investing in these basics strengthens hospital systems and saves lives before, during and after surgery.

When 13-year-old Salimu nearly drowned, he arrived at hospital gasping for breath and critically low on oxygen. Thanks to EECC-trained staff who acted immediately with oxygen therapy and antibiotics, he recovered fully—and returned home ready to go back to school.

Critical illness affects one in eight hospital patients, yet most are outside ICUs. Schell’s physiology-based approach shows it is common, deadly, and system-wide. Recognising this burden is essential for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to improve survival through Essential Emergency and Critical Care.

The Burundi EECC National Hub is strengthening respiratory care through a new nurse mentor program, while embedding it within the full EECC framework — ensuring patients benefit from vital signs monitoring, fluid resuscitation, and other simple, life-saving interventions.

Oxygen is one of the simplest, most essential medicines, yet 5 billion people still lack reliable access. On World Oxygen Day, we highlight why oxygen must be at the heart of Essential Emergency and Critical Care to save lives.

On a rainy Nairobi night, paramedic Dennis found an unconscious hit-and-run victim bleeding in the road. Using Essential Emergency and Critical Care—oxygen, fluids, bleeding control, and teamwork—he stabilised the man, who later recovered. Simple, rapid action turned crisis into survival.