Providing Face Shields in Tunisia
Hospitals in Tunisia did not have a large supply of face shields prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, which became a great problem at the onset of the pandemic. The Social Innovation Hub, EL SPACE, recognized that while the tech field does not have the capability to treat those who are sick, they could support the medical staff by helping them stay healthy to help those who are not. EL SPACE called together locals and makers with 3D printers to provide needed face shields for hospitals and medical staff, using a 3D printed face shield design approved by the ministry of health to ensure they are providing something that can be used in hospitals.
Atlas Corps Alumnus Nino (Class 26, Tunisia) returned home after his Fellowship and started to work as the Executive Director of EL SPACE Social Innovation Hub, which he co-founded in 2015. In 2019, EL SPACE Social Innovation Hub became an affiliate hub of Open Gov Hub, Atlas Corps Host Organization. EL SPACE Social Innovation Hub is a social entrepreneurship and innovation organization that is creating sustainable community practices for a better Tunisia and a better world – such as providing essential protective equipment through this difficult time. EL SPACE does this by supporting innovators in training, networking, and design for their social impact projects.
The shield is made from recycled vegetable plastic. Additionally, while the mask is only sanitary for about 4 hours, it can be disinfected for longer use. It is designed by one of EL SPACE’s community members and is printed by people and makers all across Tunisia. There is lots of engagement with anyone with a 3D printer, and many are working day and night to print these and deliver them to the nearest hospital. Right now, there are more than 40 3D printers all working all across Tunisia, and more and more people are engaging every day.
This sustained initiative is called Makers Against Corona, and the organization is taking donations of 3D printer material and 3D printers that are not in use at this time. The ELFABSPACE lab is using various materials for this initiative and believe that together we can all do our part to support each other in these difficult times.
