Healthcare Waste Management in Low-Income Countries: Lessons from High-Income Models - A Comparative Analysis of Mozambique and Shanghai

Abstract: Healthcare waste management presents significant challenges in low-income countries, where inadequate systems and improper disposal methods threaten environmental integrity and public health. This study compares the healthcare waste management practices of Mozambique and Shanghai, highlighting the differences in waste classification, collection, and disposal. In many low-income settings, such as Mozambique, healthcare waste is poorly categorized into hazardous and nonhazardous types, resulting in substantial underreporting of hazardous materials. Despite existing legislation, ambiguities in the classification of infectious items lead to inefficiencies in waste sorting and treatment, often resulting in incineration practices that can release harmful pollutants. High-income countries typically generate more medical hazardous waste per hospital bed than their low-income counterparts. However, the consequences of mismanaged hazardous waste are more pronounced in less affluent nations due to weak infrastructure and regulation. Approximately 85% of healthcare-generated waste is deemed general and non-hazardous, while the remaining 15% includes potentially infectious or toxic materials. Healthcare professionals and the public face increased risks due to improper disposal methods, particularly concerning the handling of sharps and other medical waste. To address these issues, it is crucial to enhance awareness and educational initiatives among healthcare workers and the general populace. This comparative analysis aims to provide insights into effective healthcare waste management strategies, drawing lessons from high-income models to improve practices in lower-income settings and ultimately safeguard public health and the environment.