Bypassing shortages of personal protective equipment in low-income settings using local production and open source tools

by Royhaan Folarin, Mahmoud Bukar Maina, Abisola Akinbo, Tamramat Iyabo Runsewe-Abiodun, Omobola Ogundahunsi, Ahmed Adebowale Adedeji, Andre Maia Chagas

Free and open-source hardware, 3D printing, and the use of locally sourced materials can be valuable tools for local problem solving, as proven by the production of more than 400 reusable face shields and masks in a Nigerian community to bypass PPE shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Free and open-source hardware, 3D printing and the use of locally sourced materials are valuable tools for local problem solving. This Community Page describes how PPE supply chain problems could be bypassed using open science in a Nigerian community.