The new coronavirus (COVID-19) has forced countries around the world to implement measures such as flight bans, compulsory closures, and social distancing to slow the spread of the pandemic. The South Asian nation of Bangladesh has followed suit, banning flights and closing schools as well as colleges; only a few emergency service offices in one of the poorest countries in the world are still open. Yet, as the government has not imposed a curfew, millions of people are on the streets every day to earn a living.

Social distancing is a means of controlling infectious diseases. In a densely populated country like Bangladesh, however, it is difficult to implement such a measure in many areas. It is particularly difficult in the slums of the cities. Millions of people live there in such a confined space that it is unthinkable to enforce a kind of social distancing. Under these circumstances, the provision of a face mask can help to slow down the further spread of the corona virus.

CPI Project 1
Initiative for face mask production as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Dacope, Bangladesh 

What happens to the funds?

• Production and free distribution of reusable face mask (with 3 layers of cotton fabric)
• Production and free distribution of educational leaflets (including information on necessary sanitation, hygiene and precautionary measures)
• Purchase and free distribution of soap for regular hand washing

Where are the face masks produced?

• 50% at the DESHIPAD production centre in Dacope (5 sewing machines)
• 50% in the training centre of the RUPSA head office in Khulna (5 sewing machines)
• Production costs: approx. BDT 17/piece, equivalent to 17 EUR for 100 masks

Who are the target groups?

• Low-income people living in slum areas of the city of Khulna (Sonadanga, Moilapota, Rupsa slums)
• Day labourers and vulnerable groups in the villages and suburban areas of Dacope Upazilla

Where are the supplies distributed?

• In the city of Khulna: RUPSA officials together with the district administration
• In Dacope: RUPSA branch office together with the Upazilla administration 

Material and Production Cost

Most of the donations will be used for the production and free distribution of reusable face masks in Dacope and Khulna. The production costs for the 3-layer face protection masks made of cotton fabric are approx. BDT 17 /piece. This corresponds to 17 Euro for 100 masks.

In addition, educational leaflets (including necessary sanitary, hygiene and precautionary measures) are produced and soap for regular hand washing is purchased and both are distributed free of charge.

Personnel Cost in Bangladesh

The reusable face masks are produced by five seamstresses at the DESHIPAD production centre in Dacope and by five seamstresses at the training centre of the RUPSA headquarters in Khulna.