Management of biomedical waste in Mali

The Gabriel Touré University Hospital in Bamako is facing a problem with the management of biomedical waste. The increase in patient numbers at the centre could lead to a rise in the quantity of biomedical waste produced there. Poor management of this type of waste, against a backdrop of rapid population growth, could lead to the spread of disease. The author aims to assess the management of biomedical waste at the Gabriel Touré University Hospital by describing current management practices using an assessment tool developed by the WHO. Following the assessment, the state of biomedical waste management at the hospital was deemed satisfactory. However, the situation regarding staff training and compliance with regulations was found to be problematic. The practice of waste sorting was deemed critical. The study also revealed shortcomings in the management of placentas and anatomical specimens. This book is a contribution towards improving biomedical waste management in developing countries. It is intended for those working in the fields of health and the environment.