CAPE TOWN - The world is currently running out of ventilators - a key piece of equipment helping us fight Covid-19.
Ventilators are used to mechanically mimic respiration, moving air in and out of the lungs. As Covid-19 is a disease that attacks the respiratory system, severe cases lead to patients struggling and unable to breathe. Their recovery becoming dependent on these machines - a matter of life or death.
It is said that 30% of Covid-19 patients will require mechanical ventilation and as we face a global shortage of ventilator systems, there are plenty companies, governments and health organisations scrambling to up their production rate.
Scientists predict the development of the vaccine against Covid-19 to take up to 18 months leading to The Department of Health increasing the efforts to import machines as its crucial for the recovery of the country. There are only around 6000 machines available in South Africa, with roughly 4000 of this number belonging to private facilities.
South Africa, Stay Home.
For LIVE updates on the Coronavirus pandemic, follow us on Twitter: @sacoronamonitor