Guinea-Bissau, a small country in West Africa, has made significant progress in improving its health system, particularly in the management of clinical waste. The country’s clinical waste incinerator, a project implemented by the non-profit organization, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)has been operating successfully since 2015. In this article, we will explore the impact of this project and how it has transformed the country’s approach to clinical waste management.
A difficult situation
Before the installation of the incinerator, health facilities in Guinea-Bissau faced a significant challenge. The country’s healthcare system was overwhelmed and the lack of an adequate waste management system posed a major threat to the health and well-being of patients and healthcare workers. Disposal of clinical waste, including sharps, needles and other infectious materials, was often done through open burning, which released toxic fumes and chemicals into the environment, contaminating the soil, l air and water.
The solution: a clinical waste incinerator
MSF, in collaboration with the Guinean Ministry of Health, designed and installed a clinical waste incinerator in the capital, Bissau. The incinerator was specifically designed to address the country’s unique waste management challenges, with a focus on reducing the risk of infection and minimizing environmental impact. The project aimed to provide a safe and efficient way to dispose of clinical waste, protecting both healthcare workers and the community.
Results and impact
The clinical waste incinerator has been operating continuously since its installation, with a processing capacity of up to 10 tonnes of waste per day. The project has had a significant impact on the country’s health system, with the following results:
- Reduced risk of infection: The incinerator has significantly reduced the risk of infection among healthcare workers and patients, as well as the risk of environmental contamination.
- Improved health services: The availability of an appropriate waste management system has improved the overall quality of health services in Guinea-Bissau, allowing health workers to focus on providing medical care rather than worrying about waste disposal.
- Increased Community Confidence: The project has increased community confidence in the healthcare system, as residents no longer fear the negative impact of clinical waste on their environment and health.
Conclusion
The clinical waste incinerator project in Guinea-Bissau demonstrates the impact that effective waste management can have on a country’s healthcare system. The project not only improved the safety and quality of health services, but also reduced the risk of environmental contamination and increased community confidence. As Guinea-Bissau continues to develop its health system, the clinical waste incinerator will remain a crucial element, ensuring that the country’s health facilities operate safely and sustainably.
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