Proper protective masks are very difficult to find in Burkina. With the coronavirus it is crucial that health centers personnel have a minimum protection. We have a sewing workshop in Bobo with 6 people making washable protective menstruation kits (model from Days for Girls). We have started to convert this workshop to manufacture protective masks (model also provided by Days for girls). Costs per mask is 0.5 $US. Our objective is to manufacture 10.000 masks within 2 months.
Coronavirus cannot be controlled at the borders. It is also affecting Burkina Faso. Social distancing is not easy to put in place in Africa. Protection gear such as masks is needed but there are not enough available in the country. This item is in shortage in most of the countries and African countries and they will probably be the last ones to be served.
By making face masks we will provide protection for the health care personnel in our area then also to people who are affected by the virus and people who are regularly in contact with others. Each people will get 2 masks so that they can wash one and use the other one. The protective mask is made of tight cotton material locally purchased, the model has been given to us by the US association Days for Girls. It is produced in our sewing workshop normally making washable menstruation protections.
Less people will be infected by the virus and health care personnel will be able to go about their work without fear of becoming sick. This will help shorten the cycle of the infection and help the people to get back faster to a normal life.
