Global Shortage of Personal Protective Equipment amid COVID-19: Supply Chains, Bottlenecks, and Policy Implications

Park, Cyn-Young;
Kim, Kijin;
Roth, Susann;
Beck, Steven;
Kang, Jong Woo;
Tayag, Mara Claire;
Griffin, Michael

Global Shortage of Personal Protective Equipment amid COVID-19: Supply Chains, Bottlenecks, and Policy Implications

Date

2020-04

Authors

Park, Cyn-Young; Kim, Kijin; Roth, Susann; Beck, Steven; Kang, Jong Woo; Tayag, Mara Claire; Griffin, Michael

Description

This brief examines the global shortage of the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to tackle COVID-19 and suggests policy implications. This publication provides a snapshot of select supply chains of personal protective equipment (PPE), including protective suits and surgical masks, gowns, and gloves. It discusses supply chain bottlenecks and how governments and businesses have responded. The brief also considers lessons from recent epidemics and pandemics, and the role of multilateral development banks. It highlights ways forward, including the importance of international cooperation to improve resource allocation and production capacity within and across borders.