Of masks and CSR

Doctors and scientists have under-scored that the usage of face masks can help to fight COVID-19.  Yet many citizens in developing countries do not wear it. Some just carry it and wear it around the chin to avoid a police query. Many people find it inconvenient to wear a mask, because it does reduce the oxygen intake. Perhaps, some research body needs to improve the mask, so that it protects the person and yet lets adequate oxygen flow to the wearer.

The corporate sector can also help to research a good quality mask, which permits improved flow of oxygen. Companies can also produce masks at their cost and distribute them free in small town and villages, in countries like India or the African continent, as part of their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives. They can even print the name of some of their products on the masks, to get some advertising mileage.

In India masks are priced from Rs. 20 to Rs. 500, i.e. from about Dhs 1 to Dhs 25. In the villages of India and Africa even Rs. 20 matters. So free distribution of masks by the governments or companies, can help to fight COVID-19.

Rajendra Aneja
Mumbai, India