Solutions and best practice examples

Migrant workers are disproportionately impacted by the negative effects of COVID-19 on businesses, including through soaring unemployment rates and possible loss of income. Therefore, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has created a preliminary guidance for employers and businesses to enhance migrant worker protection during the current health crisis. The guidance includes sections...

CE3M, a Moroccan cluster specialised in electronics and mecatronics has set up a consortium to develop a ventilator in collaboration with several national and international institutions, such as universities, ministries and other companies. Within just two weeks, a new ventilator-prototype was designed, built and tested and has meanwhile been approved by public authorities. Now, the industrial...

Researchers from the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) are using 3D printing systems to manufacture protective screens that can be used to combat COVID-19 in the Community of Madrid. The printing of the first units is currently under way. The protective screens should arrive at health centers in the region in the next days. Researchers from the Department of Systems Engineering and...

A team of Spanish researchers has designed and validated a simulator to study the evolution of the COVID-19 illness in Spain and Europe, based on parameters such as climate, social distancing policies and transportation. This research work has been carried out by scientists and technologists from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), Centro Nacional de Epidemiología (CNE) and Consorcio Centro...

In France, an interesting initiative that aims to consolidate information and ideas about the production of 3D printing of medical devices into a single platform, was recently launched. The platform gives an overview over revalent rules, current projects, infrastructure and work flows to combat the COVID-19 crisis and is closely monitored my a scientific council. For further information, please...

The Ministry of Health and Families has received authorization from the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) to launch production of the 'Andalucía Respira' respirator, after fulfilling all the necessary requirements for its approval in a satisfactory manner. The device has successfully passed various tests under the supervision of a certifying company, improving the results...

The Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM) of the University of Lisbon has created a full Coronavirus Diagnostic Kit, using reagents manufactured in Portugal and following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). The kits are already accredited and, if all goes well, will allow a higher number of tests per day. Initially, 300 tests per day are planned, then 500, but the goal is to...

Five researchers from Aalborg University have developed an emergency ventilator made from just about 25 industrial components. Unlike larger respirators with more complex structures and individual parts, the newly developed emergency respirator follows a simpler manufacturing process with previously used or easily accessible components. The researchers behind the project have already released all...

AXON Neuroscience, a clinical-stage biotech company and an industry leader in treating and preventing neurodegenerative diseases, is developing a promising vaccine candidate against COVID-19. Based in Bratislava, Axon has over 20 years of experience in development of safe and immunogenic peptide vaccines. Its well-established scalable technology enabled the company to join quickly the global race...

The University College London (UCL), in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG HPP and University College London Hospital (UCLH), has developed a new breathing aid: a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device. The CPAP supports patients with breathing difficulties. It works by pushing an air-oxygen mix into the mouth and nose at a continuous pressure, keeping airways open and increasing the...