Original Articles
Nwabueze I Elom, SO Ngele, DC
Abstract
Proper management of medical waste is a global challenge particularly in developing countries. A careful designed study was conducted in Abakaliki Capital Territory (ACT) with the aim of assessing the current medical wastes management practices. A range of sampling strategies and data gathering techniques were used including; questionnaires, interviews, visits and observations. The study revealed that there is no available information on waste generation rate in the health institutions. Waste segregation and coding ethics are not adhered to. It was also observed that there is no enacted law to regulate medical waste management in ACT, and as a result waste are managed without due consideration to environmental and health implications. The two method of medical waste management common in ACT was found to be landfills (burial) and open burning. The study also discovered that the waste handlers are labourers without the needed training, knowledge and skills. These poor practises could potentially contaminate the environment and promote transmission of communicable diseases.