A Microbiologist at the University of Development Studies (UDS), Tamale Campus, Dr Courage S.K. Saba, has produced a cheap solar-powered hands-free hand-washing system to support the fight against COVID-19.
The system dubbed SabaWash was designed by the microbiologist and crafted in the shop of a local artisan in Tamale using locally-acquired materials.
THE CUSTODIAN has gathered that the creativity sense of the Microbiologist was triggered to come out with the system after a research by UDS showed only 3% of all alcohol-based hand sanitizers on the Ghanaian market are effective against microbes.
The UDS Nyamkpala Campus, which carried out the research, sampled 28 hand sanitizers from Koforidua, Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Bolgatanga.
The shocking result indicated that 54% of the sanitizers were not effective at all; 43% had a bit of activity on microbes; thereby leaving only 3% as effective against microbes.
This discovery leaves washing of hands as the best option for Ghanaians in their personal efforts against the Coronavirus.
The research result pushed for the discovery of an effective hand-washing system that allows users to avoid touching the handle of the tap or bottle of liquid soap as recommended by the World Health Organizations (WHO).
The Microbiologist, Dr Saba noted that this information inspired him to produce the alternative system that explores the use of solar power and local materials.
“All the materials were acquired here in Tamale. I designed it and the engineer (welder) through trial and error was able to fabricate it in just six days,” he explained.
Dr Saba urged individuals and institutions to embrace the use of the new locally-built hands-free washing system to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and also boost local production.
COVID-19 death toll hits 16
Meanwhile, the number of persons who have lost the battle against the novel Coronavirus in Ghana has increased from 11 to 16.
Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye announced the five new deaths at a media briefing in Accra yesterday.
He said COVID-19 cases in Ghana have also increased to 1,671 while the number of recovered persons currently stands at 188.
“Ghana currently has 1,671 cases confirmed as at this morning. Out of this, 568 came from general surveillance – those who fell ill, approached the hospital and were tested,” Dr Kuma-Aboagye indicated.
