COVID-19 Response
ABSTRACT: The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for the effective treatment of disease & the protection of clinicians. The COVID-19 pandemic brought on an increased demand for PPE impacting global supply chains. With limited local manufacturing potential and existing low clinician to population ratios, many African nations faced significant challenges in meeting pandemic needs. In Tanzania, I led the transformation of our university makerspace into a PPE production facility and with the work of young student engineers and in partnership with international development partners, made and distributed critical PPE across the country.
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. The makerspace shut down usual operations and was transformed into a clean PPE fabrication facility. The 3D printers and lasercutters used for student projects were used to fabricate critical parts and student engineer volunteers at the university mobilized to meet PPE needs.
action.
I managed the Design Studio's response to COVID-19 enabling the design, fabrication and distribution of over 2000 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.
FABRICATION
Engaged university student engineers to provide manpower & technical skills for middle-scale fabrication of PPE using makerspace tools. Created shift schedule and COVID-19 safety protocol to ensure continuous production and student safety. Students were socially distanced with individuals responsible for singular tasks for efficiency. Images show students working on various steps of PPE fabrication process; foam preparation, gluing, stapling and packaging.
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.
CONTINUED R&D 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.
