World Metrology Day is celebrated every year on the 20th day of May. The theme for World Metrology Day 2021 is Measurement for Health.
Why this theme? This theme was chosen to create awareness of the important role measurement plays in health, and thus in the wellbeing of every one of us. Indeed, more widely metrology, the science of measurement, plays a central role in scientific discovery and innovation, industrial manufacturing, and international trade, in improving the quality of life and in protecting the global environment.
World Metrology Day is an annual celebration of the signature of the Metre Convention on 20 May 1875 by representatives of seventeen nations. The Convention set the framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement and in its industrial, commercial and societal applications. The original aim of the Metre Convention – the world-wide uniformity of measurement – remains as important today as it was in 1875.
As one of the leading players in the test and measurement solutions, we wish to emphasize on the importance of measurement at every level and in various settings such as domestic and industrial setups.
On a baseline level, measurements fall into the categories of weight, area, volume, length and even temperature. While we look at these various categories as stoic forms of mathematical measurements a closer examination of the things we do in everyday life reveals their clear importance. Measurements are so often taken for granted we sometimes do not appreciate the grand importance measurements play in our lives.
Measurements are useful to do basic tasks, such as take a one’s temperature using a thermometer, make time estimations, measure out medicine and find weights, areas and volumes of different materials or substances. Taking proper medicine. If you have an illness (whether serious or minor) you need to take your medicine and take it in the proper amount. If you take too little or too much, then you are not going to get maximum benefit from it. Telling time. The ability to tell time is all based on measurement principles. Whether you are using a digital clock or an hourglass these devices measure the passage of time. Now, imagine how chaotic the world would be if it were impossible to measure the passage of time.
Transportation. How much weight is too much for a plane to take off or a car to move efficiently? How much fuel is needed to reach a certain point and how long will it take to get somewhere? Yes, measurements play a significant part in transportation.
At Amotech Africa we offer a wide range of premium test and measurement solutions to a wide range of customers in different industries and sectors. “Over the years we have realized that there is a gap in the market when it comes to selection and application of various test and measurement solutions,” remarked Machacha the Managing Director of the firm. “We would often come across cases of customers who bought the right equipment for the wrong job or vice versa. We therefore took it upon ourselves to take time to understand our customers needs in depth before we offer any solution to them. This has help us greatly in forming lasting partnerships with our clients because of the value we add to them through training and support in use of any solution that the acquire within our range of solutions, ‘he continued.
The World Metrology day is very significant, and the theme is very relevant in today’s world due to the Covid19 pandemic that was confirmed in Kenya on 13th March 2020. It has become a requirement to have our temperature taken before getting into any public place as per the government measures that have been put in place by the Ministry of Health. One of the key lessons we have learnt is that health should not be taken for granted. Metrology plays a key role in fostering good health and ensuring everyone gets the right treatment. A good number of misdiagnosis are associated with poor measurement of vitals and application of inappropriate medical tests.
“In light of this, calibration, repair and proper checking and maintenance of test and measurement equipment is key in enhancing safety of the public. This is an area that has been overlooked and key players in the sector need to come together to address issues and come up with solutions that will help bridge the gaps that currently exist. We need to build capacity locally while educating stakeholders on the importance of equipment calibration. There are days one can walk into three different public areas and have three totally different temperature readings. This is a very scary thought that leaves one with more questions than answers. It time we took test and measurement seriously as a nation to ensure maximum safety for all in the workplace, at home, in public areas and in hospitals and other medical centers,” concludes Machacha Muchiri.