angladesh has set up guidelines for local producers with minimum requirements for production of non-medical fabric masks for community use with expertise of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The guidelines, incorporating specifications and quality control parameters, have already been provided to local manufacturers and non-governmental organisations. The standards have been developed in coordination with Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) with support from several other global agencies, a press release issued by the UN office in Dhaka said.
Filtration efficiency, breathability of the fabric mask and properties of the material are the key parameters in the guideline of mask production for community use. The new set of standards which will make it easier for national manufacturers and NGOs to produce washable masks at an affordable price. This way we can avoid disposable masks adding to the waste problem.” said Mia Seppo, United Nations resident coordinator in Dhaka.
In addition to support for elaborating the standards of mask production, the United Nations is also working closely with the Bangladesh government for implementation of information campaigns aimed at increasing awareness about the importance and correct use of fabric masks, together with other protection measures such as maintaining physical distance and observing hand hygiene.
