The Covid-19 pandemic has already wrecked havoc in different parts of the world ever since being discovered in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Global efforts have been placed to fighting the pandemic, promoting vaccination and fostering preventive measures. At the same time, the amount of medical waste has been on the rise during the pandemic.
The pandemic has also resulted in an increased generation of medical waste I many medical institutions as well as that generated from individuals doing self-care. Medical waste is waste from medical facilities and may have the potential for causing re-infection. Medical waste can include used syringes, face masks, vaccines vials, blood vials, bandages and other medical amenities which were used in hospitals and clinics.
Failing to manage medical waste can result in reinfection and high risk to those individuals who are responsible for recycling waste getting in contact with infectious agents. Hospitals are normally fitted with incinerators which burn medical waste to ashes. In contrary to this requirement for incinerators, it is necessary to ensure that there is a greater emphasis on proper management of medical waste including prevention.
Face masks have become a menace especially when they are used. This has resulted on a high number of transmission cases. A more responsible way of doing things is necessary if there is going to be a significant reduction in the rates of covid-19. The irresponsible disposal of medical waste has resulted in some animals such as cattle, eating the masks. At times they have been choked by the medical face mask.
All medical waste should be treated as hazardous. In order to ensure proper disposal, hospitals and clinics should separate medical waste from municipal solid waste.
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Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is is an international consultant in sustainable business development with massive experience in training, consulting and auditing. He has facilitated capacity development in more than 100 enterprises drawn from over 30 countries. He is the founder of the sustainability think-tank called Toxiconsol Consultancy t/a African Sustainability Consultants. He is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is a consultant and business coach with over 13 years experience. Tawanda is a Management Systems Consultant working on promoting development and implementation of ISO Standards (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) in both developed and developing countries. With his inspirational and pragmatic writing style he has written cutting edge books including:
1) How to grow a Side-hustle into a viable business - Overcome Salary Dependency
2) The Leading Consultant: How become an authority in your professional field
3) Step-by-Step Guide to implementing Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Systems
4) Stepping on Higher Perspectives: Greatness Tips Motivational Series
5) Sustainability Guidebook for Boards and CEOs: Leading from the front
Tawanda writes about sustainability, motivation, safety, health, environment and quality management. His books are relevant to both developed and developing countries. With practical approaches and case studies, he provides incisive insights into entrepreneurship.
His philosophy is based on the premise that every human being has potential to make a significant difference in their lifetime. He writes books on taking personal responsibility for progression in life. He motivates entrepreneurs to implement income generating projects and determine their own financial destiny. He also motivates companies to take up sustainability initiatives.
A start-up coach, public speaker, environmentalist, safety, health and quality management expert, Muzamwese bridges the gap between theory and practice through building capacity and sharing practical case studies in his books.
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