To combat global shortages, sourcing company Ethical Apparel Africa (EAA) is working with its factory partners in Gahan (KAD Manufacturing, Alfie Designs and Maagrace) and Benin (ANC) to pivot manufacturing of scrubs and surgical masks for frontline healthcare providers.
EAA has mobilized funding and support from multiple donor agencies to enable the production of over 50,000 sets of scrubs that meet international performance and quality standards. The scrubs are being distributed to Ghana’s hospitals at reduced cost levels in close coordination with Ghana and Benin Governments, and are also available to be exported to the US, UK and Europe. Additionally, a portion will also be donated to the public hospitals in Ghana and Benin fighting the crises there.
EAA is also investing to build PPE production capability in Ghana, with a focus on manufacturing medical-grade masks to meet international testing requirements and certification.
The surgical mask production will be the very first of its calibre in Ghana – which will help to provide a reliable source of supply for medical-grade masks to protect healthcare providers.
Alongside providing medical clothing and PPE locally, EAA is working to deepen existing long-term relationships with the U.S and UK medical apparel buyers – supporting them to access West African production capacity and diversify their supply chains.
This has enabled the factories to avoid the widespread disruption that is often seen in other garment-producing regions as they continue to provide their employees with safe and secure employment through the current crises.
EAA partner factories together employ over 700 individuals – 70% women – whose incomes are relied upon by their families and communities. These factories are focused on safeguarding workers’ wellbeing through targeted initiatives in sanitation, cleanliness, health education and transportation support.
For more information, please visit www.ethicalapparelafrica.com.
