WHO calls on industry and governments to increase manufacturing by 40 percent to meet rising global demand
The World Health Organization has warned that severe and mounting disruption to the global supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) – caused by rising demand, panic buying, hoarding, and misuse – is putting lives at risk from the new coronavirus and other infectious diseases.
Healthcare workers rely on personal protective equipment to protect themselves and their patients from being infected and infecting others.
But shortages are leaving doctors, nurses and other frontline workers dangerously ill-equipped to care for COVID-19 patients, due to limited access to supplies such as gloves, medical masks, respirators, goggles, face shields, gowns, and aprons.
“Without secure supply chains, the risk to healthcare workers around the world is real. Industry and governments must act quickly to boost supply, ease export restrictions and put measures in place to stop speculation and hoarding. We can’t stop COVID-19 without protecting health workers first,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, prices have surged. Surgical masks have seen a sixfold increase, N95 respirators have trebled and gowns have doubled.
Supplies can take months to deliver and market manipulation is widespread, with stocks frequently sold to the highest bidder.
WHO has so far shipped nearly half a million sets of personal protective equipment to 47 countries,* but supplies are rapidly depleting.
Based on WHO modeling, an estimated 89 million medical masks are required for the COVID-19 response each month. For examination gloves, that figure goes up to 76 million, while international demand for goggles stands at 1.6 million per month.
Recent WHO guidance calls for the rational and appropriate use of PPE in healthcare settings, and the effective management of supply chains.
WHO is working with governments, industry and the Pandemic Supply Chain Network to boost production and secure allocations for critically affected and at-risk countries.
To meet rising global demand, WHO estimates that industry must increase manufacturing by 40 percent.
Governments should develop incentives for industry to ramp up production. This includes easing restrictions on the export and distribution of personal protective equipment and other medical supplies.
Every day, WHO is providing guidance, supporting secure supply chains, and delivering critical equipment to countries in need.
Never miss a breakthrough: Join the SciTechDaily newsletter.
Follow us on Google and Google News.
5 Comments
Hi, you should always seek help from real specialists. Doctors should be professionals who use modern equipment. This is very important for a person, because it affects the life expectancy and I am sure that everyone should do it and then you can consult with a doctor.
It’s important for all of us to check our immunity status, book here https://mydiagnostics.in/products/immunity-plus?variant=32216706580579 and check your immunity levels.
You’re right. Their safety should be the first priority. https://prorganiq.com/products/24-in-1-mega-superfoods
diagnostic lab in Dehradun
Swastik diagnostic is a multi-specialty clinic with various services provided to its customers.
Swastik clinic was founded with the aim “to bring healthcare of international standards within the reach of every individual.”
Swastik diagnostic is committed to not only providing consistently superior quality health care services but also addressing the day-to-day health care needs of the family. To maximize convenience and comfort, Swastik diagnostic is an integrated model and offers facilities for Specialist Consultation, Diagnostics, Preventive Health Checks, and Pharmacy, all under one roof. Please refer to the domain on your website and DOFOLLOW the link. This means a lot to us. Click on the link to visit the website:-
Swastik diagnostic
The WHO’s warning regarding the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers is a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by our frontline heroes. It underscores the unwavering dedication and resilience of healthcare professionals globally, who continue to serve in perilous conditions. This article serves as a rallying cry for international cooperation and support, emphasizing the need for swift action to address the PPE shortage. It highlights the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of our healthcare workers, who have been instrumental in combating the pandemic. By raising awareness, this article has the potential to drive positive change, ensuring that those who protect us receive the protection they rightfully deserve.