The University of Zambia – UNZA has locally designed and developed a “Walk-Through” body sanitizer in response to its mandate of providing intellectual and practical services aimed at generating interventions that support the national COVID-19 contingency emergency plans.
The University through the Technology Development and Advisory Unit (TDAU), has embarked on an ambitious project to develop the Body Sanitizer that is built as a full body sanitization mechanism, utilising the misting technology under a high pressurized liquid/fluid supply system.
In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT by the university’s Head of Cummunications Dr. Brenda Bukowa, UNZA’s prototype is suited for places and spaces where the one meter social distance rule is violated or not possible such as malls and markets aimed at killing viruses that maybe carried on clothing or body surfaces.
Meanwhile, the University of Zambia (UNZA) in addition to the “Walk Through” body sanitizer, has designed three virtual prototypes through technology adaptation. These designs include; a Ventilator, a retractable Wheel Chair and Isolation centre Beds: all aimed at equipping health centres in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ventilator designed, will cushion the country’s supply needed in the treatment of COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory distress.
And in order to convert the three virtual designs into physical prototypes, the institution is inviting stakeholders to sign MOUs with the university in order to partner in actualising the designs from virtual prototypes to physical ones.
Meanwhile, University of Zambia Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Tamala Kambikambi who is also the Board Chairperson for the Technology Development and Advisory Unit (TDAU) says UNZA is committed to developing, adapting or adopting technologies to assist in preventing or minimising transmission of COVID-19 infections and render assistance during treatment and care.
Kambikambi adds that UNZA’s prowess is demonstrated through UNZA’s provision of intellectual and practical services such as the state of art level three (3) biosafety testing lab housed at School of Veterinary Medicine and various research undertakings by UNZA experts for the benefit of Zambia and its people.
She has thanked all staff at the institution of higher learning whom she says have worked tirelessly to ensure UNZA provides solutions in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
