WASTE MANAGEMENT (in relation to COVID-19 pandemic)
When COVID-19 happened there are several hospitals here in Cebu City investigated by the DOH because of their wastes did not disposed properly and some of their wastes seen in the coastal areas.
Hospital wastes contains potentially harmful microorganisms that can infect hospital patients, health workers and to the public. Injections with contaminated needles and syringes in low- and middle-income countries have reduced substantially in recent years, partly due to efforts to reduce reuse of injection devices. Despite this progress, in 2010, unsafe injections were still responsible for as many as 33 800 new HIV infections, 1.7 million hepatitis B infections and 315 000 hepatitis C infections.
If landfills are not properly built, the disposal of untreated health care wastes will lead to pollution of drinking, surface, and ground waters. Lack of awareness about the health hazards related to health-care waste, inadequate training in proper waste management, absence of waste management and disposal systems, insufficient financial and human resources and the low priority given to the topic are the most common problems connected with health-care waste. Many countries either do not have appropriate regulations, or do not enforce them.
Promoting activities that reduce the amount of waste generated and promote waste disposal.
Creating policies and processes, as well as strict supervision and control, to gradually enhance waste segregation, destruction, and recycling practices in order to meet national and international standards.