Improving segregation of medical waste in a resource limited setting in Zambia: The impact of using colour coded receptacles


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

4269.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - Board 8

Abstract #110678

Christopher Mazimba, Mmed(ob/gyn)¹, Richard S. Hughes, MA², Martha Ndhlovu¹, Answell Chipukuma, Higher Diploma³, Matildah Matipa Zyambo, mcips⁴, and Kuhu Maitra⁵. (1) Prevention of medical transmission of HIV program, JHPIEGO Corporation, PO Box 32481, Lusaka, Zambia, PO Box 32481, Lusaka, Zambia, (2) Zambia Country Office, JHPIEGO Corporation, c/o USAID, 351 Independence Avenue, PO Box 32481, Lusaka, Zambia, (3) Manoff Group inc., Prevention of medical transmission of HIV program, P.O Box 36873, Ngumbo Road, LongAcres, Lusaka, Zambia, (4) Zambia Injection Safety, Chemonics International, P.O. Box 36873, Lusaka, Zambia, (5) International Health Group, Chemonics International, 1133 20th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036, (202) 955-3340, kmaitra@chemonics.com

BACKGROUND: Globally, it is estimated that 10- 25% of the total waste generated in health care facilities (HCF) is hazardous waste. Health care waste management in resource-restricted countries like Zambia is of major concern. Segregation of medical waste at the point of generation in health care facilities is a major component of medical waste management.

DESIGN/METHODS: The Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of health and the USAID funded, Prevention of Medical Transmission of HIV-programme, carried out a baseline assessment on healthcare facilities medical waste management in two districts; Ndola and chipata. The findings were that there was poor segregation of waste at the point of generation and the final disposal methods were inadquate. Training of health personnel on segregation of waste using colour-coded receptacles was done. Logistics and supplies were obtained and provided in all the health facilities in the two pilot districts.

RESULTS/OUTCOME: After the intervention the following were the out comes;1. Health facilities improved in the general cleanliness, 2. Health personnel handling medical waste were more confident and motivated,3. Amount of generated medical waste reduced and 4.Health providers were now able to appropriately segregate waste.

CONCLUSION: Segregation of medical waste at the point of generation using colour-coded receptacles has a definite positive impact on infection prevention, injection safety and the general health care facility cleanliness.

Learning Objectives:

Participants attending this session will be able to

1.Understand the role of segregation of health care waste at point of generation.
2.Know the advantages of colour coding system in medical waste management.
3.Learn about the difficulties of medical waste management in a resource restricted nation like Zambia

Keywords: Health Workers Training, Hazardous Waste

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Perspectives on Tertiary Care

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA