The effective treatment of hospital waste is essential to prevent risks to the environment and public health, the website of the United Nations (UN) agency specialized in the political management of prevention, promotion and intervention in global health, the website said.

Hazardous waste is a major challenge, accounting for up to 20 percent of all medical waste produced, the WHO report said.

The new facility is a major boost to efforts to ensure environmental protection and public health risk reduction, South Sudan’s Minister of Health Yolanda Awel Deng Juac said.

As healthcare in South Sudan progresses, proper waste management is increasingly critical and the significant amount of waste produced by healthcare facilities requires safe and proper disposal, the source noted.

“By prioritizing the proper handling of infectious waste and sharps and providing comprehensive training for staff in waste management practices, we can pave the way to a safer and healthier future for all,” Dr. Fabian Ndenzako, WHO representative for South Sudan, said.

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