Pandemic Pains- Managing Biomedical Waste

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have grappled with increased pressures on national resources, of which waste management systems have been on the forefront. Indeed, the very nature of the pandemic has led to increased generation of biomedical waste, particularly plastic, utilised as protective gear. In light of this, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) extended technical assistance to the country to integrate the environment into its response and recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The Ministry of Planning and Development, through the EPPD was able to successfully mobilise financial resources from UNEP towards a four month project aimed at strengthening the national capacity to address deficits within the national biomedical waste management system; to not only assist with immediate medical related emergencies but also future contingency planning.

On July 22, 2021 a virtual Inception Meeting was held to officially launch the project. The twenty-three (23) attendees represented UNEP, the BCRC-Caribbean, the Ministry of Planning and Development and other key national organisations which comprise the Project Working Committee. Dr David Persaud, Environmental Manager, EPPD, delivered the opening remarks, while Ms. Keima Gardiner presented an overview of the project since its initiation to participants, and Ms. Tushara Maharaj provided the closing remarks for the session.

Implementation has since commenced for the three project components: Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) Surveys on biomedical waste management for households, health institutions and waste contractors; an Assessment of the Current status of the biomedical waste management; and a Sensitization and Capacity Building Programme on biomedical waste management. The KAP surveys were launched in September 2021, with the household survey being disseminated at a national scale for a ten (10) day period.

It is envisioned that by improving the capacity of the country to alleviate the pressures within the biomedical waste management sector and increasing public awareness and knowledge transfer, this will work towards the minimisation of the risks posed to health care workers, waste handlers, the national community, and the environment from improper handling and disposal of biomedical waste.