Waste management and public health: An analysis of Nigerias healthcare sector

Abstract

Waste management encompasses a wide range of planned procedures and activities, either from its generation to final disposal, as well as long-term strategy for ensuring environmentally sustainable waste management. While, public health, on the other hand, connotes an insight into illness prevention and personal care in connection with health promotion and social factors. In critically examining waste management and public health of the Nigeria's healthcare sector; this study specifically sought to evaluate the effect of knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers on waste management, and to also ascertain the effect of personnel training practices in the healthcare sector on waste management. The study adopted cross sectional survey method. Data were collected using the questionnaire research instrument and were manually administered to the respondents. Collected data were analysed using Simple percentage and Chi-square (X 2 ) statistical tool. The findings revealed that knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers has significant effect on waste management (x 2 = 395.6) > (x t = 7.815), and personnel training practices in the healthcare sector had significant effect on waste management (x 2 = 373.53) > (x t = 7.815). The study concludes that the healthcare sector is reputed to dispose of prodigious amounts of waste; due to their ability to manage its negative effects on their environment through effective awareness on how best wastes should be managed. It was recommended that there should be a continuous enlightenment, sensitization, and training on effective and safe waste management to aid the improvement of a more conducive and sustainable environment.

Sustainable Waste Management and Socio-Economic Development in Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State

“…In addition, healthcare and medical wastes such as body fluids, syringes, needles, ampoules, organs/body parts, disposable plastics, etc., when improperly disposed of or managed can prove to be dangerous by inducing infections within health facilities and among people working outside of health settings such as waste handlers, scavengers, and others. Hence, the sustainable waste management of such wastes would reduce the possibility of an outbreak or spread of certain infections and diseases, thereby reducing the risk of deaths and low life expectancy caused by unhealthy environmental conditions (Onyekwelu, et al, 2022).…”

The Nexus between Industrial Parks and the Sustainability of Small and Medium-Scaled Ventures

“…Environmental advantages: With more efficient resource utilization, waste reduction, reprocessing, and recycling, industrial parks promote reduced pollution levels, which can assist to sustain and conserve local biodiversity. It also strengthens IP's capacity to control chemicals and other hazardous substances in a way that better protects the environment [11].…”

“…In Nigeria, the situation is currently the opposite; SMVs struggle to stay afloat owing to deteriorating infrastructure, multiple taxes, and extortion of businesses by government revenue officers; all of which tend to thwart their efforts and activities, whilst compounded by other environmental difficulties. The rapid development of IPs has also led to an increase in environmental problems including resource depletion, climate change, environmental emissions, and solid waste management [11,12]. However, the economic benefits frequently come at the expense of the quality of the environment in and surrounding industrial parks.…”