ON THE EVALUATION OF MEDICAL WASTE DISPOSAL PRACTICES IN LIBERIA: A CASE STUDY OF MONROVIA DISTRICT HEALTH FACILITIES (OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2010).

Benjamin, C. Soko*, S. Benson Barh, Francis Wreh and I. Adetunde

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the evaluation of medical waste disposal practices focusing on segregation, colour coding, waste measurement and medical waste policy. A random selection of thirteen (13) out of two hundred and forty three (243) health facilities in various key localities areas in Monrovia District health care institutions were visited to solicit the views of people on the methods of medical waste disposal practices in Liberia. The population of this study consists of four hundred (446) people from the various health care institutions in Monrovia District. 134 persons were interviewed through the aid of questionnaires. It was found that there is a serious problem in the fight against the medical waste disposal practices by health care institutions in Liberia. Many are not aware of the effect of the improper medical waste disposal, the methods involved in the medical waste disposal and the consequences for improper medical waste disposal. Most of the health care institutions lack incinerators and as a result, burning is predominant in all of the research areas in Monrovia District.

Keywords: Medical waste disposal practices, Monrovia District health care institutions, health facilities, improper medical waste disposal, incinerators.