Due to the infectious nature of some clinical waste, poor disposal practices have sparked concern regarding the impact on public health and the environment. Lack of sufficient knowledge of the associated risks may be a strong factor contributing to inadequate disposal practices. We conducted a survey to evaluate hospital workers' awareness of health and environmental impacts of poor clinical waste disposal in Cameroon. We randomly distributed 500 questionnaires to hospital workers in three hospitals in the Northwest Region of Cameroon in April 2008. In addition, we observed collection, segregation, transportation, and disposal of clinical waste at the three hospitals. Of 475 total respondents, most lacked sufficient awareness of any environmental or public health impacts of poor clinical waste disposal and had never heard of any policy--national or international--on safe clinical waste management. Methods of collecting, segregating, transporting and disposing clinical waste at the three hospitals was poor. The development of a comprehensive policy on efficient clinical waste management in Cameroon is imperative.
The Plight of Clinical Waste Pickers:Evidence from the Northwest Region of Cameroon: Peter I. K. MOCHUNGONG. Unit for Health Promotion Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark-Objective: To present the pitiable working conditions of clinical waste pickers in hospitals in the Northwest region of Cameroon and associated exposure to health hazards. Methods: Observe clinical waste pickers as they carry out their functions for three days and carry out informal consultations (discussion) with the waste pickers on their working conditions, possible health risks and avenues and resources to improve the current situation. Results: Lack of immunization, protective equipment, and poor work postures, absence of support groups and lack of awareness on associated health hazards contributes to the current plight of clinical waste pickers in Cameroon. Improving hospital infrastructure and equipment is prioritized over safety and management of risks faced by the clinical waste pickers. Conclusion: Clinical waste pickers in Cameroon certainly work in poor conditions which endanger their health and those of their families. There is an urgent need for the implementation of health and safety protocols together with an overhaul of equipment currently in use.
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