Safer Healthcare Through Smarter Waste Solutions

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Safer Healthcare Through Smarter Waste Solutions

April 13, 2025

Under the 'Project for the Improvement of Infectious Waste Management in Southwest Asia', with generous support from the People of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Maldives is working to establish proper infrastructure for housing healthcare waste management equipment, ensuring the safe and proper handling of infectious waste. As of the first quarter of 2025, construction has been completed at 17 locations across the country.

In addition, through a partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and funding from the Government of Canada, UNDP Maldives is implementing the construction of healthcare waste management facilities at seven additional sites.

To ensure that healthcare facilities are equipped for safe waste disposal, the project includes the provision of necessary waste disposal consumables and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), covering all health facilities across the Maldives. These items have been procured and are currently in the process of being delivered.

Two autoclaves have also been procured and handed over to the Ministry of Health. These units are designated for use at Haa Alif Thuraakunu and Haa Alif Thakandhoo island Health Centres in the northern region of the Maldives. Equipment installation and training is planned for quarter 2 of 2025.

The project has further supported a nationwide capacity-building programme in collaboration with WHO, aimed at equipping healthcare workers with essential knowledge for managing infectious waste. The training, focused on "Best Available Practices" for healthcare waste management, covered occupational safety, waste classification, segregation, storage, transportation, treatment, disposal methods, and strategies for minimizing waste. A total of 601 staff (98 males and 503 females) participated in the programme.

To promote environmentally friendly practices, 65 electric tricycles were distributed to health facilities for the transportation of treated waste to island-level waste disposal sites.

As part of the effort to enhance digital capabilities within the health sector, digital and networking equipment has been provided to the Ministry of Health, covering island level health facilities as well. Additional support is being provided to enhance IT infrastructure in the health sector.

Additionally, the project is in the process of supplying equipment to support the sustainability of infectious waste management systems, including water filtration systems for autoclave use. Also includes equipment for digitalization of dental X-ray, ECG machines, autoclaves.