Assessment of Medical Waste Segregation, Disposal Practices for Infectious and Sharps Waste in Healthcare Facilities in Somalia: Implications for Infection Prevention and Control.

BACKGROUND

Effective handling of healthcare waste is paramount for infection prevention, particularly in fragile environments such as Somalia. When infectious and sharps waste are not appropriately segregated and disposed of, Infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis B and C, and tuberculosis can spread due to improper waste segregation and disposal, which poses a serious threat to public health. This study aims to assess the infectious and sharps waste management practices and waste segregation in Somalia's healthcare facilities.

METHODOLOGY

A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022/2023 by UNICEF, WHO, and the Federal Ministry of Health in Somalia. Data were collected from 423 healthcare facilities out of 1,410 using the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) questionnaire. Simple random sampling ensured an objective and representative assessment.

RESULTS

Based on our study, more than 60% of healthcare facilities lacked proper waste segregation systems, and many reported insufficient colour-coded or covered bins. For infectious garbage, incineration was the most common approach (33.57%), whereas for sharps waste, pit burning was the most common option (52.48%). Geographic location and the type of waste management strategies used were significantly correlated (p < 0.001), indicating regional inequalities. These results draw attention to the numerous discrepancies and structural shortcomings in current systems for managing medical waste.

CONCLUSION

Addressing gaps in waste management through policy enforcement, funding, and healthcare worker training is paramount to reducing healthcare-associated infections and improving healthcare safety in Somalia.