This Rwandan company is helping to produce PPE to fight COVID-19 spread

In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) has become more paramount than ever before. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially recommending cloth masks to help slow the spread of the highly contagious virus, countries around the world are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of their citizens. In Rwanda, face coverings have been mandated in public spaces and multifamily compounds to further curb the transmission of the virus. As part of these efforts, the Rwandan Food and Drug Authority (FDA) released a statement on the 17th of April, listing a selection of approved companies to manufacture PPE. Amongst the approved firms was FabLab, a product development company based in Rwanda. To shed more light on the crucial role that FabLab is playing in the fight against COVID-19, CNBC Africa recently spoke with Danny Bizimana, the General Manager of FabLab. Bizimana highlighted that FabLab is primarily focused on producing plastic face shields, which are essential for healthcare workers on the frontlines of combating the pandemic. These face shields, made using 3D printing and laser cutting technologies, are designed not only for COVID-19 professionals but also for surgical doctors, showcasing the versatility of FabLab's production capabilities. In order to be included on the list of approved companies by the Rwandan FDA, Bizimana explained that FabLab had to meet various standards set by the FDA in conjunction with the Ministry of Health. These standards included criteria such as size, materials, and pricing to ensure that the produced PPEs were accessible and affordable to all individuals in need. Apart from face shields, FabLab is also involved in the production of medical masks, further expanding their contribution to the fight against the pandemic. When questioned about the production capacity and material sourcing, Bizimana disclosed that FabLab is currently manufacturing 500 face shields per day, with the potential to scale up production if demand increases. The company has established partnerships with local suppliers for materials and is utilizing laser cutting technology with ABS materials to meet the current demand effectively. Additionally, FabLab has secured partnerships with 12 Chinese companies to further bolster their production capacity in case of a surge in demand. As the battle against COVID-19 wages on, companies like FabLab are at the forefront of the response, showcasing the innovation and commitment of Rwandan businesses in combating the global health crisis. With a focus on quality, affordability, and scalability, FabLab's efforts exemplify the collaborative spirit and proactive approach needed to navigate through these challenging times.