A knock-out punch in the fight against Ebola might be on the horizon. Based on a study published Friday, an experimental vaccine could be the key to stopping the disease, which has killed more 11,000 people in West Africa since the beginning of the current epidemic.
“If proven effective, this is going to be a game-changer,” Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, told the Associated Press. “It will change the management of the current outbreak and future outbreaks.”
The Ebola outbreak in Africa began in March 2014 and has severely impacted the health and safety of those living in West Africa. Companies, health organizations, and governments across the world have been attempting to create different tools and medicines to help stop the outbreak.
Diagnosing the disease is one hurdle healthcare workers face when treating Ebola. The disease is spread quickly through bodily fluids, so identifying patients for treatment is imperative. However, in areas lacking basic resources, such as electricity and clean water, many diagnostic tools can’t function. One company, Diagnostics for All, took on the challenge to solve this issue.
Using SOLIDWORKS, they were able to design a portable kit, specifically equipped with a rapid diagnostic test. The software allowed them to design the product’s electronics and packaging to withstand the harsh conditions that healthcare workers may face. With more accurate and portable testing, the new vaccine can be administered more effectively, while infected patients can be quickly identified for life-saving treatment.
From test kits to vaccines, these new Ebola-fighting advances show what is possible when innovators set their minds to changing the world. They can save lives.
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