AN EVALUATION ON THE CONTRIBUTION OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO THE EFFECTIVE DISPOSAL OF MEDICAL WASTE IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study The effective handling of healthcare waste remains a major public health priority, particularly in low- and middle-income countries that are experiencing rapid growth in healthcare services. Healthcare waste encompasses a broad spectrum of materials generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of humans and animals. This waste includes general refuse, hazardous materials, infectious waste, and sharps—each posing specific risks to both human health and the environment (Akinola et al., 2023). Proper healthcare waste management is essential to reduce the risk of disease transmission, protect environmental integrity, and safeguard the health of waste handlers and the surrounding communities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 15% of waste produced by healthcare facilities consists of hazardous substances, including toxic and infectious materials (WHO, 2021). In Nigeria, the healthcare system is under increasing pressure due to a growing population and a rise in disease burden, which in turn contributes to a surge in healthcare waste generation (Zubair et al., 2022). Research by Onwughalu et al. (2023) highlighted that many healthcare facilities in Nigeria lack the infrastructure and capacity required to effectively manage the volume and complexity of waste they produce. Poor implementation of waste management practices can lead to severe health risks, including the spread of infectious diseases, injuries from sharps, and exposure to toxic chemicals. Healthcare waste management efforts are often hindered by inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, and weak enforcement of relevant laws and regulations (Eze et al., 2023). A major issue is the improper mixing of healthcare waste with general waste due to the insufficient training and limited resources provided to healthcare workers for appropriate waste segregation and disposal (Adebayo et al., 2023). Ogunbiyi et al. (2023) noted that fewer than 40% of healthcare workers in Nigeria had received formal training in waste management. This lack of training significantly reduces their ability to manage waste safely and efficiently. Healthcare providers play a central role in the management of healthcare waste, which includes ensuring the segregation, handling, and proper disposal of waste in line with standard protocols. However, studies have shown that healthcare workers frequently face a variety of challenges in fulfilling these duties. These include inadequate knowledge of waste management procedures, insufficient institutional support, and a lack of accountability (Akinola et al., 2023; Onwughalu et al., 2023). These barriers contribute to systemic inefficiencies that result in continued poor disposal practices. The importance of sound healthcare waste management is further underscored by the environmental and public health consequences of neglect. Improper disposal can lead to environmental contamination—polluting air, water, and soil—which directly threatens the health of nearby populations (Zubair et al., 2022). In regions already burdened with high levels of infectious diseases, poor waste handling can exacerbate existing public health crises. In light of these concerns, this study seeks to examine the role of healthcare providers in ensuring the proper disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Ensuring the proper disposal of healthcare waste is essential to protect public health, preserve the environment, and limit the spread of infectious diseases. When healthcare waste is not managed appropriately, it poses significant health threats to both medical personnel and the general public. Despite the existence of waste management standards and protocols, many healthcare facilities still struggle to comply. A study conducted by Zubair et al. (2022) revealed that over 60% of healthcare institutions in urban areas of Nigeria did not have effective waste segregation systems in place, which increased the risk of spreading infections. In addition, healthcare workers often lack adequate training on safe waste disposal methods, contributing to greater environmental hazards and public health threats (Ogunbiyi et al., 2023). Given their frontline role, healthcare providers are key to ensuring compliance with waste disposal regulations. However, their ability to do so is often constrained by several factors, including limited resources, lack of knowledge, and poor enforcement of existing policies (Akinola et al., 2023). This study, therefore, aims to assess the role of healthcare providers in ensuring the safe and appropriate disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon. 1.3 Objective of the Study The general objective of this research is to investigate the contributions of healthcare providers in the proper management and disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon. Specifically, the study aims to: i. Assess the extent of training healthcare providers have received on healthcare waste management in Cameroon. ii. Examine the role of healthcare providers in ensuring the appropriate disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon. iii. Identify the challenges healthcare providers face in implementing effective waste disposal strategies in Cameroon. 1.4 Research Questions To guide the study, the following research questions have been formulated: i. What level of training do healthcare providers have regarding healthcare waste management in Cameroon? ii. What role do healthcare providers play in the proper disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon? iii. What are the main challenges healthcare providers encounter in the implementation of effective waste disposal practices in Cameroon? 1.5 Significance of the Study The findings from this research will be valuable to policymakers and healthcare regulatory agencies. By identifying the challenges healthcare providers face in managing healthcare waste, the study can help inform the development of more effective policies and regulations aimed at improving compliance and waste disposal practices. The study also holds academic value by contributing to the existing body of knowledge and serving as a reference point for future researchers interested in healthcare waste management and public health issues. 1.6 Scope of the Study This study focuses on examining the role of healthcare providers in the proper disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon. Specifically, it will evaluate the level of training received by healthcare workers, explore their roles in waste management, and identify the key challenges they face. The geographical focus of the study is limited to the Protestant Hospital of Ngaoundéré in Cameroon. 1.7 Limitations of the Study As with most academic endeavors, this study encountered a few limitations. Key challenges included: Time Constraints: The researcher had to balance this study with other academic obligations such as attending lectures and participating in other school activities. Financial Limitations: Conducting the study involved expenses related to printing, typesetting, data collection, and accessing relevant materials, which placed a financial burden on the researcher. Limited Access to Materials: Due to the specific focus of the topic, there was a scarcity of relevant literature, which posed a challenge during the review process. 1.8 Definition of Terms Healthcare Waste: Refers to waste materials generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of humans or animals. It includes general, infectious, hazardous, and other medical wastes. Infectious Waste: A type of healthcare waste that contains pathogens or microorganisms capable of causing diseases. Examples include contaminated sharps, blood-stained materials, and laboratory cultures. Hazardous Waste: Waste that poses a serious risk to human health or the environment due to its biological, chemical, or physical properties. This includes flammable substances, reactive chemicals, and toxic materials. General Waste: Waste that does not pose any specific hazard to human health or the environment, such as packaging, food waste, and paper products generated in healthcare facilities. Waste Segregation: The process of separating different types of healthcare waste at the source to facilitate safe and effective disposal. Waste Management Protocols: Standardized procedures and guidelines that dictate how healthcare waste should be handled, treated, and disposed of to ensure the safety of public health and the environment.