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Hazardous and health care waste management

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The objective of the hazardous and health care waste management programme is to reduce the environmental burden of disease in health care settings and make the health sector more environmentally-friendly compliant. Activities of the programme include:

  • assessing environmental health in health care settings
  • developing strategic documents and guidelines
  • conducting training courses on environmental health in health care facilities
  • conducting pilot projects.

Activities of the programme to alleviate the burden of disease through the proper management of health care wastes in countries include:

  • assessing the burden of diseases associated with injection devices and implementing safe waste management practices (Pakistan)
  • conducting training activities on health care waste management with special focus on sharps wastes and injection devices (Afghanistan, Djibouti and Pakistan)
  • developing a guidance document on environmental health in health care settings with a special focus on health care waste management (Sudan)
  • developing plans on health care waste management (Yemen).

The programme also works with communities to build their capacity in managing wastes and related hygiene issues. Community-based solid waste management and associated hygiene projects have been promoted in Morocco, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen.