Logistics of Health Care Waste Management Information and Approaches for Developing Country Settings

Medical or health care waste (HCW) refers to all waste generated by health care facilities, research facilities, and laboratories. Health care waste management (HCWM) is a major health and environmental concern. Hazardous waste, including sharps and other infectious waste, pose a serious risk to human health and the general environment. In many developing countries, disposing of this waste is complicated by limited financial and human resources. This document considers the reality of HCWM practices in resource-limited settings. Solutions offered within this text are based on actual experience in developing countries and are presented as practical solutions to vexing logistics problems in HCWM. The needle remover, sharps pit, and sharps barrel graphics have been provided courtesy of Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH). All rights reserved. Cover photo: Health supplies and safety boxes at a health facility in East Timor. JSI staff photo. 1999. USAID | DELIVER PROJECT John Snow, Inc. 1616 Fort Myer Drive, 11th Floor Arlington, VA 22209 USA Phone: 703-528-7474 Fax: 703-528-7480 Email: [email protected] Internet: deliver.jsi.com