African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management

African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN 2375-1266 Vol. 11 (2), pp. 001-006, February, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The Impact of Improper Hospital Waste Disposal on Public Health in Zonkwa District, Kaduna State’s Zangon-Kataf Local Government Area

Vivan Ezra Lekwot¹*, Blamah Vachaku Nunyi¹, Ezemokwe Ifeanyi¹, Okafor Christian I² and Bawa Adamu³

¹Department of geography and planning University of Jos, Jos Nigeria
²United Nations development programme Juba, South Sudan
³Government Girls’ College Zonkwa.

Accepted 02 October, 2023

Abstract

This study examines public health effects of improper hospital waste disposal. Primary data was collected from households residing in the area. 124 copies of well structured questionnaires were administered to the households. Questions were related to socio-economic characteristics of households and health effects of improper hospital waste management. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive methods. The study result reveals that the disposal of untreated hospital wastes poses an environmental threat and public health risk. Indiscriminate disposal of untreated hospital waste is often the cause for the spread of several infectious diseases. It is also responsible for hospital acquired diseases to the health care personnel who handle these wastes at the point of generation. Apart from the above, a good amount of hospital wastes such as disposable syringes, infusion bags, I.V. fluid bottles etc. are picked up by rag pickers and are recycled back into the market without any disinfection. It is important, therefore, to implement proper environmentally safe mode of disposing hospital wastes.

Keywords: Public health, Hospital waste, Infectious diseases, Waste disposal.