Enhanced Environmental Protection: Small Incinerator Reduces Medical Waste in Swaziland

Enhanced Environmental Protection: Small Incinerator Reduces Medical Waste in Swaziland

Background

Swaziland faces significant challenges in managing its healthcare waste, generating approximately 25 vicisslets of infectious medical waste per month. Traditional open burning of this waste poses severe risks to public health and the environment. To address this, Eswatini Environmental Authority (EEA) implemented a project to establish a small medical waste incinerator.

Project Implementation

The project involved:

• Procurement and installation of a small medical waste incinerator.
• Training of healthcare workers on waste segregation, handling, and incineration procedures.
• Development of a monitoring and evaluation framework.

Impact

• Reduced environmental impact: The incinerator significantly reduced open burning of medical waste, leading to:

  • Decreased air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Minimized soil and water contamination.

• Improved public health: Controlled incineration eliminated the risk of disease transmission and ensured safer disposal of infectious waste.
• Cost savings: The project saved Eswatini Medical Aid Scheme (EMAS) money previously spent on transporting and burying medical waste.

Sustainable Solutions

• The project utilized a renewable energy source to power the incinerator, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• The ashes generated were utilized as agricultural fertilizer, promoting sustainability.

Challenges and Solutions

• Initial community resistance to the project required ongoing dialogue and reassurance.
• Limited space for the incinerator required innovative siting solutions.

Future Prospects

The project has paved the way for:

• Scaling up the initiative to other hospitals and healthcare facilities.
• Developing comprehensive national regulations and standards for medical waste management.
• Promoting public-private partnerships to ensure sustainable waste management solutions.

FAQs

1. How does the incinerator work?

The incinerator uses a controlled combustion process to destroy infectious waste. The heat generated also sterilizes the waste and converts it into ash.

2. What are the benefits of reducing open burning of medical waste?

Reducing open burning reduces air pollution, minimizes soil and water contamination, and eliminates the risk of disease transmission.

3. How does the project save costs?

The project saves costs by eliminating transportation and burial fees associated with traditional waste disposal methods.

4 Künongo’s message:

The successful implementation of this project demonstrates the potential of innovative solutions to address healthcare waste management challenges and enhance environmental protection in developing countries.