The World Assembly (WA),
Recognizing the significant environmental and health risks posed by improper disposal of medical waste, including potential contamination of water sources, soil, and air, which could lead to the spread of disease and environmental degradation,
Acknowledging that proper management and treatment of medical waste can drastically reduce these risks, while safeguarding both healthcare workers and communities from exposure to harmful pathogens,
Believing in the urgent need for efficient, sustainable waste management systems to minimize environmental impact and promote responsible resource use, while ensuring the health and safety of all people,
Defining the following terms for the purposes of this resolution:
Waste: Waste is defined as any substance, material, or product that is discarded, abandoned, or no longer in use, and is typically unwanted or unusable. It can be generated from various sources, including industrial, household, and medical sectors.
Medical Waste: Medical waste refers to any waste generated in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, which may include, but is not limited to, contaminated materials, used medical devices, discarded medicines, and biological materials. It may carry potential risks of infection or harm to individuals and the environment if not managed correctly.
Infectious Waste: Infectious waste is a category of medical waste that contains pathogens or microorganisms that can cause disease or infection in humans or animals. This type of waste includes materials such as used bandages, surgical instruments, and biological samples that have been contaminated by infectious agents.
Hazardous Waste: Hazardous waste refers to medical waste that poses significant risks due to its chemical, physical, or toxic properties. This includes waste containing heavy metals, toxic chemicals, or radioactive substances, which can cause harm to humans, animals, and the environment if not disposed of properly.
Resolves to:
Establish National Medical Waste Management Frameworks
Each member nation is required to implement a comprehensive medical waste management framework that covers:
Proper segregation of waste into categories such as infectious, hazardous, and non-hazardous waste.
Safe storage protocols to prevent accidental exposure or contamination.
Secure, environmentally responsible disposal methods, including the use of incineration or sterilization when appropriate.
These frameworks should be tailored to the specific needs of each nation, considering both urban and rural healthcare facilities.
Encourage the Use of Recycling and Reprocessing Technologies
Promote the development and adoption of recycling technologies for medical waste, specifically for plastics, metals, and other non-infectious materials. Research should be funded to find safe, effective methods of repurposing medical waste into materials that can be reused in the healthcare sector or other industries, where feasible. The goal is to reduce overall waste generation while maintaining public health and safety.
Mandate Healthcare Facility Compliance
All healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, must develop and implement waste management plans in compliance with the national framework. These plans should include:
Employee training on proper waste handling and disposal procedures.
Regular audits to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
Clear protocols for the segregation, storage, and disposal of various waste types.
Invest in Medical Waste Disposal Infrastructure
Member nations are urged to allocate sufficient resources to develop or upgrade medical waste disposal infrastructure, particularly in underserved and rural areas. This includes investment in waste collection, transport, treatment, and disposal facilities, as well as ensuring these systems are easily accessible and effective in reducing risks associated with improper disposal.
Promote International Cooperation and Best Practices
Foster collaboration between member nations to share knowledge, technologies, and best practices related to medical waste management. This could include joint research initiatives, conferences, and the development of international standards to ensure that medical waste is handled in the safest and most sustainable manner possible.
