WHO publishes global analysis of healthcare waste in the context of COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a report summarising a global analysis of health waste in the context of COVID-19. The latest available data, from 2019, indicates that one-in-three healthcare facilities globally do not safely manage healthcare waste, while the COVID-19 pandemic has led to large increases in healthcare waste, putting a strain on healthcare facilities and exacerbating environmental impacts from solid waste.

This report quantifies the additional COVID-19 healthcare waste generated, describes current healthcare waste management systems and their deficiencies, and summarises emerging best practices and solutions to reduce the impact of waste on human and environmental health. 

Source: WHO, 1 February 2022