2

LENS

However, this approach led to mixed results which
prompted the team to explore a testing focus in
the gap between the design stage of creating
‘in‑the‑field’ prototypes and producing reliable,
open-source items for others to accurately reproduce
and use effectively.
According to the World Economic Forum, the
fourth industrial revolution is ushering in a new
period of disruption and opportunity, with more
people than ever needing to upskill frequently and
effectively communicate their expertise. A grassroots
network like Humanitarian Makers provides an
avenue to the ‘common’ person for continuous
learning and networking, which is already proving
attractive to members of the maker community who
flock to contribute, including eNABLE Community
founder Jon Schull.
In 2017, Humanitarian Makers shifted their focus
to identifying high-patient-impact, low-cost medical
supplies suitable for treating injuries in developing
countries. These activities followed an
announcement by the World Health Organisation
that injuries in regions with poorly developed trauma
care and rehabilitation systems cause over five
million deaths each year, roughly equal to the
number of deaths from HIV/AIDS, malaria, and
tuberculosis combined.
The group is working closely with Field Ready, a
US‑based nonprofit organisation founded to meet
humanitarian need worldwide by transforming
logistics through technology, innovative design, and
engaging people in new ways.
“There have been improvements to humanitarian
logistics over the last decade or so, but nothing
really transformative,” Eric explains. “What we
needed was a rethink about supply chains in a way
that leads to dramatic improvement.”
Field Ready and Humanitarian Makers were able
to test a few concepts of their shared vision with the
MakerNet Pilot program in Nairobi, Kenya in 2016.
MakerNet represents a growing alliance of
organisations. Kenya has long served as a regional
hub for humanitarian aid agencies, and more
recently Nairobi has become a vibrant and well-
developed tech innovation and maker community.
The pilot involved field trials with three healthcare
clinics where designs for humanitarian supplies
were improved and used to manufacture items
locally. A Kenyan engineer, Michael Gathogo, carried
out the pilot and worked with management and
clinical staff at the health facilities to identify
high-demand products which could feasibly be
produced locally. The pilot was based at Gearbox

Lite, which had 3D design software, 3D printers, a

laser cutter, and a vacuum former. Some

manufacturing and repair work was subcontracted to

local makers and small businesses who either

owned their own equipment or made arrangements

to access the necessary equipment. Some products

were made using existing Field Ready designs, while

others were developed exclusively for the pilot using

open-source designs as a starting point. For

example, after replicating a Nepal-designed

fetoscope using a 3D printer, they revised the

process to produce a wooden fetoscope using local

woodworkers and a lathe.

Now in phase two of MakerNet, Field Ready and

Humanitarian Makers are inviting feedback on their

prototypes and open design instructions to provide a

reliable means of replication by those seeking to use

them in a humanitarian context where this is

essential. Perhaps most importantly, these field trials

highlighted several core challenges in humanitarian

aid logistics, including a lack of resources within

existing humanitarian organisations, difficulties in

facilitating collaboration around design, and

inadequate access to local ‘making’ knowledge.

If you would like to get involved, you can apply to

join the Humanitarian Makers group on LinkedIn, or

visit humanitarianmakers.org for more information.

Above

With just a battery

and a bag full of

filament, a 3D printer

can go anywhere

Credit

Field Ready

“While working within the healthcare sector of Kenya, I saw supply chain challenges

first hand as well as the growing latent talent and knew this wasn’t unique to Kenya. In

speaking with the founders of Field Ready, I saw an opportunity to create new channels

for people, regardless of their geographical location, to solve hardware problems around

them, and create viable avenues for well-being. An online presence offers an individual

a larger world than their geographical location or resources may otherwise offer. It

also can be isolating and lonely to be a visionary and change-maker. Enabling people

to connect with others working towards the shared vision that Humanitarian Makers

represents gives us the power of a group.” – Naiomi Lundman, social entrepreneur

A view from the ground