Assessment of Medical Waste Management and Practices in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State Nigeria, Northeast Nigeria

Abstract

Medical wastes such as sharps, infected blood, syringes, body parts and radioactive matters are waste generated during health
care service deliveries in hospitals and clinics. Which often receives less attention in developing countries resulting to negative
impact on human health due to improper management, and moreover data regarding medical waste management practices are
limited in most part of the regions. This research therefore assesses medical waste management and practices in Maiduguri,
Borno state, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire, physical observation and key informant interview were used to collect
information addressing the generation, segregation, storage, treatment and disposal in 10 selected Heath care facilities across
Maiduguri Metropolitan City. From the results Waste generation per bed per month ranges from 16613 kg/bed/month to 324
kg/bed/month, segregation practice was excellent as 77.5% of the respondents had adequate knowledge of waste segregation,
However, few (24%) segregated wastes at the point of generation, largely using plastic bins (50%). Knowledge of color coding
was satisfactory as 83.75% responded to use color code. Majority (90%) collected waste more than twice/day mainly using plastic
bins (46.25%), trolleys (37.5%) and few (12.5%) use combination and plastic and wheel barrows. Personal protective equipment
(PPEs) was reported to be used by 98.75% of the respondents. For disposal, medical wastes were mostly burned openly within
the hospital (63.75%). In general, the state of medical waste management in Maiduguri was excellent with little challenges of
facilities and equipment, the effort of NSHIP (Nigeria-State Health Investment Project) was highly commendable for bridging
some gaps.