3D Printing for Medical Innovations
Country: Botswana
Project Overview: The University of Botswana (UB) is pioneering the use of 3D printing technology to revolutionize disease treatment and improve healthcare for Batswana. Led by Dr. Shathani Nkhwa from UB’s Faculty of Medicine, the project focuses on creating customized medical solutions for complex conditions. It involves collaboration with the Central University of Technology (CUT) in South Africa for implant development.
The project has successfully treated a 17-year-old patient with Ollier’s Disease using a custom-designed hip implant and is developing 3D-printed alternatives for COVID-19 related medical supplies.
Impact: This initiative is transforming healthcare in Botswana by enabling the production of patient-specific medical devices and implants. It improves surgical planning, enhances treatment outcomes, and reduces reliance on expensive imported medical devices.
The project demonstrates the potential of cross-border collaborations in advancing medical technology in Africa. As it evolves, it has the potential to significantly impact the broader African 3D printing medical devices market, projected to reach USD 1,065.00 million by 2025.
Further Information: AfricaLive Feature Article on Medical Innovations
3D-Printed Automatic Weather Station (3D-PAWS)
Country: Kenya (leading adoption), with plans for expansion to other African countries
Project Overview: The 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Station (3D-PAWS) project, developed by scientists at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), is revolutionizing weather monitoring in Africa. This innovative approach allows local meteorological organizations to fabricate and maintain weather stations independently at a fraction of the traditional cost.
The stations use locally sourced materials, microsensor technology, low-cost microcontrollers, and 3D printing to create affordable and easily maintainable weather monitoring systems. Kenya has taken the lead in adopting this technology, having installed 24 3D-printed weather stations across the country following a training workshop in June 2023.
Impact: The 3D-PAWS project is addressing the critical decline in functioning weather stations across Africa, significantly improving the continent’s ability to monitor and predict extreme weather events. These stations cost only $400-$600 compared to $25,000 for traditional stations, making them highly cost-effective. They provide real-time weather data every 15 minutes, covering rainfall, temperature, pressure, and relative humidity.
This improved data collection is crucial for enhancing food security, agricultural planning, and climate resilience across Africa. The project also fosters self-reliance and builds local capacity by empowering African scientists and meteorological departments to produce and maintain their own weather stations.
Further Information: https://africalive.net/article/african-scientists-pioneer-3d-printed-weather-stations-to-combat-climate-crisis/
