Large-Scale Manufacturing of Personal Protective Equipment for the Medical Industry in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa via 3D Printing
Thematic Area: Minerals, mining and materials engineering
University: African University of Science and Technology (AUST)
Project Leader: Dr. Vitalis C. Anye
Collaborating Partners: Innovate Nigeria Ltd (Formerly Skill G Nigeria Ltd), Abuja, Nigeria; Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA ; Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Abuja, Nigeria
Duration: 24 months
Project Overview
Preamble
COVID-19 is a communicable respiratory disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus that has exponential cases in most countries around the world since 2019.The pandemic adversely impacted the supply chain of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face shields and masks to frontline health care workers across the globe. This project is aimed at utilizing 3D printing or additive manufacturing technology (AMT) to enhance the massive production of robust PPE that will be used by frontline heath care workers. This will significantly prevent the collapse of an overstretched health care system on the African continent and Nigeria in particular in the face of the pandemic. This initiative will equally help to foster collaboration between academic/research institutions, manufacturing industries and health care institutions in Nigeria and sub-Sahara Africa especially in its response to pandemics such as the COVID-19.
The technology
3D printing innovation can be used by businesses, institutions and individuals to manufacture a range of products on-demand close to where they are required. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in the demand for medical and personal protective equipment by frontline healthcare workers, leading to an overstretching of the supply chain beyond its capacity. Using 3D printing technology as proposed in this project will address this by providing a critical mass of PPE that will be useful to frontline health workers in the fight against the spread of the disease and a prevention of the collapse of the nation’s health care system. Recycling consumer plastics for use as filaments for the 3D printers will aid in avoiding the environmental threat that these plastics pose.
Expected Impact
The main aim of this project is to increase access to personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical personnel for Covid-19 Protection using 3D printing innovation solution in Nigeria.
For more information, please contact the Project Leader.
