Medical and healthcare waste management in african cities: a case study

Medical wastes consist of all types and categories of waste generated by medical establishments. Infections and hazardous health care waste pose a substantial danger immediately or over a period of time in human, plant and animal life if not properly managed. This study evaluated the generation, collection, transportation and management of medical waste in selected private and public medical establishments in thirteen local government areas (LGAs) of Lagos State, Nigeria. Field observations, interviews and questionnaire were employed in the course of this research to collect data. The data collected were analysed and discussed. The results showed that the medical waste generated out weighted the current management strategies employed by the medical establishment authorities and regulatory bodies in Lagos State, Nigeria. There are no structured staff training and development policies, plans and practices for staff members involved in medical waste management. The on site handling, storage, processing and collection facilities of medical waste are obsolete. The study therefore recommends the need for the federal ministry of health, Lagos State ministry of health, professional bodies, regulatory agencies, and the management of health care establishments to review the current medical waste management strategies, upgrade the on-site medical waste handling facilities and embark on training and retraining of staff members involved in medi