Health officials at Dzaipi Health Centre III in Adjumani District have expressed serious concerns about a broken incinerator, which has led to a large buildup of medical waste at the facility. This situation poses significant health risks for hospital staff, patients, and the surrounding community.
Benedict Zelda, the medical clinical officer at Dzaipi HC, reported that the incinerator has been out of service for a long time. As a result, there is a growing pile of waste that needs to be disposed of safely.
“As we do our service, we generate different categories of waste. Our incinerator on the eastern side is broken down. We have even a pack of wastes that needs to be incinerated,” said Zelda.
These issues were highlighted on October 17, 2024, during a visit to health centers in Adjumani district by representatives from UNICEF and the Swedish government. During the visit, health officials emphasized the urgent need for action to prevent potential health hazards. Zelda warned that not managing medical waste properly could lead to outbreaks of hygiene-related diseases.
In addition, Zelda pointed out that the placenta pit at the health center is also full, which poses environmental risks as the contents decompose.
The situation emphasizes the critical need for effective waste management systems in healthcare facilities. Immediate steps are required to repair or replace the broken incinerator to mitigate these health and environmental risks and ensure community safety.