In Tanzania, the management of biomedical waste is a critical concern due to the potential health and environmental risks associated with improper handling. The country has developed national policy guidelines to address these challenges and promote safe healthcare waste management practices.

National Policy Guidelines:

The Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children (MOHCDGEC) has established the “National Policy Guidelines for Health Care Waste Management in Tanzania.” These guidelines aim to provide technical guidance on safe healthcare waste management and ensure compliance with regulations to protect public health and the environment. They emphasize the importance of waste segregation, collection, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal.

Current Practices and Challenges:

A significant portion of healthcare waste in Tanzania is general, non-hazardous waste, similar to domestic waste. However, approximately 15% is considered hazardous, including infectious, chemical, or radioactive materials. Improper management of this hazardous waste can lead to infections and environmental pollution.

Studies have identified several challenges in the management of medical waste in Tanzanian hospitals:

• Inadequate Segregation: A large proportion of hospitals use dustbins without plastic bags for transporting waste, leading to contamination and mixing of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
• Limited Incineration Capacity: Many hospitals have low incineration capacity, with few equipped with fire brick incinerators, resulting in reliance on open pit burning and burying, which are less effective and environmentally harmful.
• Lack of Training: There is a need for proper training and management regarding awareness and practices of medical waste management among healthcare workers.

Innovative Solutions:

To address these challenges, some hospitals in Tanzania have adopted alternative waste treatment methods:

• Autoclaving and Shredding: Bagamoyo District Hospital has implemented a system using an autoclave and shredder to render medical waste harmless before disposal, offering a non-incineration solution to waste management.
• Upgraded Incineration Facilities: The Aga Khan Health Service has upgraded its incineration facilities in Dar es Salaam by installing the clinical waste incinerator, which includes an automated top-loading system and a Venturi Wet Scrubber to ensure efficient and environmentally friendly waste disposal.
• Conclusion:

While Tanzania has established guidelines for healthcare waste management, challenges such as inadequate segregation, limited incineration capacity, and lack of training persist. Innovative solutions like autoclaving and advanced incineration technologies are being implemented to improve waste management practices and mitigate health and environmental risks.

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