Design and Development of Automated Ultraviolet (UV-C) Surface Sterilizer and Disinfection Device Using a User-Centered Design Approach

Background The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 highlighted the urgent need for innovative technologies for sterilization and disinfection of various healthcare utilities. While steam sterilization is widely used in both developing and industrialized countries, it has limitations in disinfecting several critical healthcare items such as hospital rooms, beds, N-95 masks, ambulance beds, medical clothing and devices. During the pandemic, Ethiopia and other developing countries faced significant challenges in sterilization and disinfection system for these healthcare utilities in COVID-19 treatment centers. Methodology The development of the UV-C dry surface disinfection and sterilization device followed a structured engineering design approach, with a focus on functionality, efficiency, and safety. The methodology included key stages such as problem identification and needs analysis, concept design and circuit development, material selection with specification, prototype fabrication, product testing and validation. Result The results of the sterilization and disinfection efficiency test demonstrated that the UV-C device achieved over 90% effectiveness, confirming its viability as an efficient solution for sterilization in healthcare settings and other industries. Conclusion The development of these automated UV-C sterilizers addresses a critical gap in disinfection technology, particularly in resource-limited settings, and enhances the capability to manage infectious diseases like COVID-19 and related pandemics.