Wazzup Pilipinas!?
As part of ongoing efforts to improve healthcare waste management in the Philippines, the Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management Project (HCW Project) recently conducted a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey to gauge community awareness about healthcare waste. This extensive survey covered three key hospitals significantly affected by the surge in healthcare waste during the COVID-19 pandemic: Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) in Quezon City, Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC) in Tuguegarao City, and Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City. A total of 923 respondents, including hospital patients, visitors, and local community members, participated in the survey, providing valuable insights into current waste management practices.
The survey's findings were revealed during a forum on January 17 in celebration of International Zero Waste Month, shedding light on regional disparities in awareness and practices. While respondents across the three hospitals demonstrated a general understanding of waste segregation and management programs, several significant gaps in knowledge were uncovered. Most notably, a lack of awareness and misconceptions regarding hazardous waste disposal and waste minimization practices were identified as areas requiring urgent attention.
Key Insights and Regional Differences
The data gathered pointed to clear differences in waste management awareness between the hospitals and the surrounding barangay communities. For instance, respondents from QMMC, which has implemented progressive initiatives such as material recovery, waste treatment facilities, and urban gardening for composting, showed higher levels of awareness and a more positive attitude toward waste management. On the other hand, local communities near QMMC had a much lower understanding, with many residents unaware of proper hazardous waste disposal practices and waste minimization strategies.
Challenges across the board included uncollected hospital waste, inadequate provision of color-coded bins, and improper disposal practices in surrounding areas. These issues indicate that improvements are needed in both infrastructure and education efforts. However, respondents expressed a strong willingness to engage in awareness programs, with healthcare providers and barangay leaders seen as the preferred sources of information.
A Call for Education and Infrastructure Enhancement
Jam Lorenzo, Deputy Executive Director of BAN Toxics and Manager of the HCW Project, emphasized the importance of assessing community awareness to create effective, long-term solutions. "Understanding the gaps in community knowledge is key to developing strategies that can ensure the sustainability of waste management programs," he stated. "The HCW Project aims to improve local systems, foster sustainable practices, and reduce the environmental and health risks posed by improper healthcare waste management."
To address these issues, the HCW Project plans to collaborate with various stakeholders, including local government units, healthcare providers, and community leaders. These partnerships will be crucial in implementing targeted awareness campaigns and promoting sustainable interventions aimed at improving waste segregation practices, reducing waste volumes, and creating more efficient management systems.
A National Commitment to Sustainability
Launched in December 2023, the HCW Project is a five-year initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and executed by BAN Toxics, with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB). On January 31, 2025, a national workshop will formally launch the project’s comprehensive program focused on environmentally-sound healthcare waste management practices.
The survey results underscore the importance of tackling healthcare waste management through a collaborative and educational approach. As the project moves forward, it remains committed to enhancing local systems and raising awareness in communities to ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for all Filipinos.
In the News: Expanding the Conversation on Waste Management
Recently, there has been a surge in interest surrounding waste management and sustainability, both locally and globally. The rise in healthcare waste during the COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on the importance of environmentally responsible practices in medical settings. Across the Philippines, municipalities are starting to implement more stringent waste segregation laws, while organizations like BAN Toxics and HCW Project continue to advocate for systemic changes. With government support, these initiatives have the potential to significantly impact not just the healthcare industry, but also the public’s overall approach to waste reduction, with a particular focus on zero waste and recycling.
Looking Ahead
As the HCW Project moves into its next phase, it will continue to address the challenges identified through the KAP survey, from insufficient community education to gaps in waste infrastructure. The upcoming national workshop will further guide efforts toward a sustainable future, while the lessons learned from QMMC, CVMC, and EVMC will serve as a crucial blueprint for future interventions.
The HCW Project represents a pivotal step in addressing the growing environmental concerns linked to healthcare waste in the Philippines, setting a precedent for a more sustainable and health-conscious approach to waste management that can inspire change across the nation.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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