Global Alert and Response (GAR)

GAR Natural Ventilation (NATVENT)

The GAR Natvent for infection control

Using natural ventilation and other affordable and sustainable means to maximise availability of safe infectious diseases wards and isolation facilities, particularly in low-income settings; bolster health systems; minimise costs and environmental emissions.

Infectious disease ward, Sierra Leone

Kenema hospital structural diagram
Hospital structural diagram

WHO has designed a ward for infectious diseases in Sierra Leone to manage patients with severe infectious diseases safely. GAR saw this project as an opportunity to develop a model isolation unit for low income countries that incorporates principles of isolation and natural ventilation.

Natvent Design Project film

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    This short film outlines the activities undertaken by the GAR Natvent Design Project which combines building design and infection control for sustainable, low-cost, energy-efficient health-care facilities using natural ventilation.

Natural Ventilation for Infection Control in Health Care Settings

Recognising the role of natural ventilation for infection control, the new WHO guideline provides a design and operation guide for hospital planners, engineers, architects and infection-control personnel.

For further information

natventproject@who.int