Belgrade, July 10 - Thanks to the financial support of the German government, three Serbian companies will start with the local production of several types of protective face masks and a system for monitoring hand disinfection in health care institutions. The ideas for innovation in times of crisis proposed by these companies were chosen among the 23 most innovative local solutions for reducing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia, that responded to the call launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in March this year.

Without vaccine or direct cure for Covid-19, prevention measures are the only way to stop the spread of the infection. The use of a protective mask is one of the most effective means of protection. SPIRIDON Nano Textile Technologies / FabLab Technologies will produce several types of protective face masks: a three-layer disposable surgical mask and a reusable filter mask, as well as a face mask made of biodegradable material, while Šime CNC Mašinska obrada will offer a reusable medical PVC material protective mask with a replaceable SMS filter.

The solution designed by the team of Mikro kontrol d.o.o. will enable the development of a system for automated monitoring of hand disinfection in healthcare facilities, which, in addition to physical distancing and personal protective equipment, is the most important measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The hand hygiene monitoring system is based on the "Internet of Medical Things" (IoMT) technology, which uses sensors to detect whether hand disinfection has been performed when entering from one room to another.

The total value of these three solutions is 127,500 US dollars, and it is expected that in the coming months they will ensure a better supply of personal protective equipment on the Serbian market, and improve efficiency and supervision in meeting hygiene standards in health facilities, as prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In addition to increasing the health system capacities to respond to similar challenges in the future, this initiative will also stimulate innovation, local business development, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Solutions to problems with prevention, detection and treatment of Covid-19, as well as innovative ways for disinfection and medical waste treatment are presented on an online platform available at: https://covid19response.undp.org.rs/en/.