Assessment of Hazardous Waste Collection and Disposal in Health Institutions in Uganda: A case Study of Health Institutions in Nakawa Division in Kampala

Abstract

Assessment of hazardous waste collection and disposal was carried out in Nakawa division with health workers in health institutions that are operating within the division. The overall objective of the study was to assess the methods used in collection and disposal of hazardous wastes by the different health facilities in Nakawa division Kampala Uganda. The specific objectives were to examine the methods used to collect hazardous waste by health institutions in Nakawa division, the different strategies used for waste disposal by health institutions and examine challenges faced in both waste collection and disposal in health institutions in Nakawa division. The study used descriptive and resection design and quantitative approach was used to collect data. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS. It involved quantitative and qualitative approach using individual interviews. Data was collected from 42 health workers The study findings revealed that health institutions collect hazardous wastes that are dangerous to both humans and environment. Most of the notable hazardous waste generated in these health facilities include sharps, blades, broken glasses, used gloves among other minimal wastes. Methods used to collect hazardous waste are rudimentary and not environmental friendly. The use of water as a dumping ground for waste is a crisis for water animal and also human being that uses this water for domestic uses. Limited financial resources were found to be a major challenge in waste collection and disposal. Lack of uniform law governing waste collection and disposal. A great deal of agreement has been put by all the health institution that there is no clear uniform law in Uganda targeting waste management. The one that exists like water waste management act, environment management act and health care act are far faced and not clear. This makes health care practitioners to take advantage and provide waste collection and disposal strategies that are not friendly to both environment and human habitat.