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Meeting COVID-19 supply chain needs in Tanzania
-PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Background
In April 2020, during the first wave of COVID-19 in Tanzania local hospitals began to experience difficulties with accessing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other medical devices essential for operation.
The DIT Design Studio already had existing relationships with multiple local hospitals and when they reached out in the moment of crisis, the Design Studio responded.
Action
I managed the Design Studio's response to COVID-29 enabling the design, fabrication and distribution of over 2--- pieces of PPE across Tanzania.
DESIGN
Iterated existing 3D printing models according to local clinician needs, designed lasercut acrylic version for faster production times. Designed final mass produced design made out of locally available foam, elastic and plastic that allowed faster production times at reduced cost. Images below show different face shield iterations.
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PRODUCTION
Engaged university students to provide manpower for fabrication of PPE using simple methods. Created shift schedule and COVID-19 safety protocol to ensure continuous production and student safety. Students were socially distanced with individuals responsible for singular task for efficiency. Images show students working on various steps of PPE fabrication process; foam preparation, gluing, stapling and packagi
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DISTRIBUTION
Managed PPE requests and deliveries. Used local transportation methods for delivery (tuk-tuk & motorbike) to reduce cost. Images show students off-handing PPE to tuk-tuk driver and healthcare workers at various Tanzanian hospitals in studio produced PPE.
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PROTOTYPING beyond PPE
In addition to face shields, designed and fabricated ventilator box and ventilator splitters using locally available materials. Images show fabrication and testing of ventilator box prototype and final ventilator splitter design.
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Impact
2000+
face shields fabricated and distributed.
5
hospitals impacted.
(Dar es Salaam, Arusha & Zanzibar)
<USD$0.50
cost/face shield achieved
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