PPE is Needed to Save Lives
On March 27, WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasised the urgent need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) across the world. “The chronic global shortage of personal protective equipment is now one of the most urgent threats to our collective ability to save lives. Health workers in low- and middle-income countries deserve the same protection as those in the wealthiest countries,” he said.
On the day of this WHO press conference, 35,174 people had died of the virus around the world, with a total of 597, 457 infected. Today, six weeks later, there are 4.4 million people infected with a total of 302k recorded deaths – and the lack of PPE has become a crisis within a crisis.
PPE is clothing and equipment designed to protect the wearer from injury or spread of infection. Key PPE items – including N95 masks, surgical masks, gowns, and goggles – are essential for healthcare workers, and are now needed more than ever to protect other key workers.
WHO has shipped nearly half a million sets of PPE to 47 countries, ranging from Cambodia to Tanzania but supplies are depleting and they have urged governments and companies to step up to support the global demand.
Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, prices “have surged”, according to WHO. News articles share stories of hoax deliveries where the PPE never arrives or sub-standard stock fails safety tests.
Key Points on Global Shortage of PPE During COVID-19
- Surging demand, partly joined with panic buying, hoarding, and misuse of personal protective equipment (PPE) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, is disrupting global supplies and putting lives at risk.
- The dramatic rise in demand for surgical masks, goggles, gloves, and gowns has depleted stockpiles, prompted significant price increases, and led to production backlogs of 4–6 months in fulfilling orders.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 89 million medical masks are required for the COVID-19 response each month, along with 76 million examination gloves and 1.6 million medical goggles (WHO 2020).
Source: ABD
Trusted PPE
CTG is working with Enigma Alliance, a fellow Chelsea Group company, to respond to the urgent request for certified, quality PPE. Experienced in procurement and logistics, as well as operating in conflict-affected regions, CTG and Enigma Alliance have the ability to offer clients a reliable end-to-end solution, not only procuring the correct PPE but also ensuring delivery.
CTG is also supporting the COVID-19 response through the provision of CE & FDA approved rapid testing kits as well as swab tests.
To find out more, click here, or reach out to alice@ctg.org