19 Apr 2020

In an effort to continue developing innovative solutions in response to societal challenges, the University of Botswana (UB) has designed and produced clinically sound ventilation hoods and face masks for COVID-19 patients.

A press release from the institution states that the centre has also designed and developed a face shield for COVID-19 frontline health workers.

UB further reveals that the shields are already in production while the hoods and masks will soon go for production as well.

Regarding the ventilation hood, the release says it has been developed for COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure and it offers the patient a non-invasive support for breathing.

It states that what is most interesting about the hood is that it is clinically sound for any medical environment and it is made from locally available material.

According to the release, the three products are part of UB’s initiatives towards providing innovative solutions to societal challenges. Therefore, in the wake of COVID-19, the University immediately assembled a team of engineers and product designers to specifically come up with solutions that support the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The release says the team, led by Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Professor Benjamin Bolaane, is currently working on producing a ventilator.

The team also comprises of three heads of department; Electrical Engineering Professor Edwin Matlotse, Mechanical Engineering Professor Jerekias Gandure and Industrial Design and Technology Dr Yaone Rapitsenyane as well as other key members from the learning institution. ENDS