Shortage of Personal Protective Equipment
WHO recently highlighted the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) putting health workers at risk. It called for an increase in manufacturing of PPE by 40%.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment or PPE are equipment that are used to protect health-care workers when working under epidemic conditions or when treating patients with highly infectious diseases. The standard set consists of gloves, masks and gown. In case of airborne infectious diseases, it also includes goggles, face-shields, head cover, rubber boots, etc.
Reasons for the Supply Shortage
WHO highlighted the risk posed by the supply disruption to health-care workers around the world. The reasons for the current disruption in PPE supply is the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The major causes highlighted by WHO are:
- Rising demand
- Panic buying
- Misuse
- Hoarding and speculations
Pandemic Supply Chain Network
Pandemic Supply Chain Network is a collaborative platform between the World Health Organisation and the World Economic Forum. It is a public-private collaboration that is to act as a market network. It aims to provide a platform for market visibility, data sharing and operational coordination and connection.
