This article focuses on the following Sustainable Development Goals:
As COVID-19 cases are rising, numerous medical workers are exposed to the virus due to a lack of protective equipment. This is not good news. Hospitals around the world are becoming overwhelmed and governments have failed to ensure an adequate amount of protective equipment which workers need to protect themselves as they treat COVID-19 patients. However, I came across an article that seemed to provide a potential solution to this problem. This article shed light on how a university was using their equipment to produce 3D-printed face shields. While I didn’t have any 3D printers at home, I still decided to research in order to see what could be done. As it turns out, my school had two 3D printers, thus my friend and I are currently working to produce the much-needed face shields in our Lagos community.
A nurse wearing a 3D-printed face shield
The process is simple - design and 3D print the frame of the face shield and attach a piece of transparent plastic film onto the shield. Depending on the hospital you’re donating the face shields to, you may have to sterilise the face shields yourself. In this case, make sure to consult experts to ensure safe and sanitary sterilisation of the equipment you’re producing. Now, they’re ready for use.
In the context of SDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being, this project ensures the safety of selfless medical workers who are working tirelessly to treat COVID-19 patients. This project also fits well under SDG #9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. In the age of technology, we’ve found ways to make our lives easier. This project is one way we’ve taken advantage of technology and innovate ideas as a means to help those who help us.
How can you help? 3D-print face shields if you have the necessary equipment to do so. However, make sure to thoroughly do your research on what you can or cannot make. If you don’t have a printer, reach out to people you know who do: this could be the school you’re going to or any of your friends and family members. It’s important to keep in mind that producing face shields in this manner is a very slow process. My school only has 2 3D printers. Because of this, I’m planning on reaching out to NGOs and help them fundraise so that they can invest in 3D printers. If you’re stuck at home in quarantine, you can still initiate that communication between you and your local NGO. There’s always a way you can help.
As Shonda Rhimes once said, “But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change.” I knew nothing about 3D printers. But I took the time to educate myself and reach out to people to meet a need in my community. You can do this too. Remember, change starts with you.
External Sources
The article that inspired me to start this project.
Works Cited
1. Makin, Cheryl. “Metuchen Man Makes 3D Face Shields in His Basement to 'Do His Part'.” MY CENTRAL JERSEY, Bridgewater Courier News, 2 Apr. 2020, www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/outreach/caring-communities/2020/04/02/coronavirus-nj-metuchen-man-makes-3-d-printed-face-shields/5102688002/.
2. Staff, WUWF. “UWF To Help Healthcare Workers With 3D-Printed Protective Gear.” WUWF, www.wuwf.org/post/uwf-help-healthcare-workers-3d-printed-protective-gear.
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