The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is presently the world’s common enemy. This pandemic has already killed nearly 82,000 people worldwide. It is a real global and humanitarian health crisis that appeals to an international solidarity because the measures taken at the national level will not be able to remedy the crisis.
To prevent this virus from spreading and wreaking havoc in Cameroon, the embassy of Israel in Yaounde has expressed its support for Cameroon through a donation of medical equipment. These are 3D printed face shields designed by Israeli engineers and printed at the 3D High-Tech Centre at the National Advanced School of Engineering (Polytechnique) in Yaounde. These face shields are intended for Cameroonian healthcare personnel in the front line and more exposed in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to these, the 3D High-Tech center also printed facemasks with replaceable air filters, personal door openers, goggle for medical personnel and ventilator valves, which are still in the process. It is important to note that this is an initiative led by the Israeli Embassy in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), Polytechnic and the Cameroonian Ministry of Health.
The Ambassador of Israel to Cameroon, H.E. Isi Yanouka on Monday, April 6, 2020 presented the project to Prime Minister, Head of Government Chief Dr. Joseph Dion NGUTE. During their discussion, the Ambassador said that a first batch of 250 protective face shields are already manufactured in the High-Tech 3D printing center. Talking to the press, the Ambassador disclosed that “It is a great combination of Israeli technology and the face shields are made in Cameroon a hundred percent by the people of Cameroon.” He continued by saying that, “if the face shields are made in large quantities they can be exported to African countries or other countries in the world because the 3D printer at the National Advanced School of Engineering (Polytechnique) in Yaounde is the most advanced in Africa with 23 printers.” His Excellency also pointed out that the center has the capacity to print about 400 face shields per day.
The presentation and donation ceremony of the medical equipment at the 3D High-Tech Printing Center (Polytechnique) in Yaounde took place on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 in the presence of Mr. Gabriel DODO NDOKE, the Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (MINMIDT), Pr. Jean-Emmanuel PONDI, Rector of the University of Yaounde I, Prof. Rémy Magloire ETOUA, the Director of Polytechnique and MODIBO Traore, the Resident Representative of UN-OCHA. During this ceremony, H.E Isi YANOUKA openly declared that the State of Israel is not only a partner to Cameroon but also a friend who helps in times of need.
Inaugurated in 2019, the 3D-Printing Centre at Polytechnique was designed and installed by Israeli experts and is the most advanced of its kind in Africa. It has the capacity to print prototypes and various finished products for the health sector and the wider consumer market. In fact, currently the center is producing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for other countries.
It should be noted that Israel has always been a first responder to humanitarian crises in Cameroon. In 1986, Israel was at the frontline in rescue operations after the Lake Nyos Natural gas disaster. In 2014, Israel contributed in Cameroon’s successful effort to prevent the outbreak of the Ebola virus in Cameroon. In 2015, Israel organized and funded various projects to support refugees in the East region of Cameroon. In 2016 – 2017 Israel assisted in fighting against the outbreak of avian flu in Cameroon.