Improperly disposed needles, harmful chemicals, and contaminated equipment can lead to the spread of dangerous diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, making medical waste management a critical global issue.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 16 billion injections are administered worldwide each year.
The real danger lies in the improper disposal of used needles, which can expose healthcare workers and the public to infectious diseases.
WHO reports that in developing countries, 64% of healthcare waste is not properly segregated, significantly increasing health risks for waste handlers and the broader population.
The consequences of poor medical waste management are staggering. WHO statistics reveal that each year, unsafe injections cause 21 million new cases of Hepatitis B, 2 million cases of Hepatitis C, and 260,000 new HIV infections.
In 2010 alone, improperly discarded needles were responsible for 33,800 new HIV cases, 1.7 million Hepatitis B infections, and 315,000 cases of Hepatitis C.
Additionally, 2 million healthcare workers globally suffer injuries from sharp objects, largely due to inadequate waste management practices.
In Rwanda, healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a concern. A 2020 study in major hospitals found that 32% of women's infections were attributed to poor medical waste handling, highlighting the need for urgent intervention within the healthcare system.
In response to this pressing issue, the Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU) has launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at raising awareness among healthcare professionals about the importance of environmental protection.
Environment specialist Kanangire Ruti Rubis shared strategies with nursing and midwifery students on the critical role they play in managing medical waste responsibly.
"Healthcare professionals must prioritize the proper sorting of waste, separating hazardous materials from regular waste to prevent environmental degradation," Kanangire emphasized.
"In Rwanda, progress has been made with environmental protection laws, but there is still a gap in public awareness. We need to intensify education efforts, especially among healthcare workers."
Gentille Ishimwe, a third-year nursing student at Ruli Higher Institute of Health, shared how the training organized by RNMU had changed her perspective on medical waste management.
"Negligently handled needles can spread infections. Imagine someone contracting an incurable disease because of carelessness. It's essential that we are more cautious," she stated.
RNMU President André Gitembagara outlined the union's commitment to tackling climate change and environmental degradation through sustainable healthcare practices.
"The effects of climate change directly affect us, especially in healthcare. Contagious diseases, like the Marburg virus, start with us healthcare workers. It's imperative that we contribute to protecting the environment," he said.
RNMU's five-year plan includes a series of impactful initiatives such as nationwide awareness campaigns, the planting of over 5,000 food-producing trees at healthcare centers by November, and the establishment of nurse-led environmental protection groups.
These initiatives aim to foster a culture of environmental stewardship within Rwanda's healthcare system, ensuring a safer and greener future for all.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/nurses-midwives-to-lead-the-charge-in-environmental-protection
