Although the COVID-19 pandemic is a global problem, resource distribution in this global emergency is not equal. The later point at which COVID-19 reached Sub-Saharan Africa, the significant resource limitations already in existence, and the increased challenges in advocating and procuring essential healthcare equipment in these contexts, mean that healthcare providers continue to lack the basic resources needed to manage these patients well and reduce the risk of hospital transmission of this infection to patients and staff.

Due to aerosol-generating procedures and contact with critically unwell patients, anaesthetists are at a greater risk than many other personnel. Sadly, our colleagues will be placed in the unimaginable situation of knowing a patient with suspected COVID-19 needs emergency airway management and critical care, whilst lacking suffcient personal protective equipment, and systems and processes for using it.

Protecting our colleagues from acquiring a hospital-transmitted infection has a significant role in conserving the anaesthetic and critical care workforce in Zambia and Ethiopia, enabling them to continue to look after these patients and other patients requiring emergency surgery, and being able to develop surgical and critical care healthcare systems again after this pandemic is over.

We are working to provide our friends and colleagues with sufficient PPE resources to minimise the risks to themselves as they continue to care for patients. We are working with local and international groups to provide manufactured equipment meeting international standards as well as innovative locally-made solutions including respirator masks, surgical face masks, face shields and surgical gowns.