Project Goal and Objectives

The overall goal of this project is to protect public health and the global environment from the impacts of dioxin and mercury releases. To achieve this, the project is demonstrating best environmental practices and best available technologies at healthcare facilities that have been selected to serve as models within seven countries - Argentina, India, Latvia, Lebanon, Philippines, Senegal and Vietnam.

The project focuses primarily on activities such as promoting the use of non-burn waste treatment technologies, improved waste segregation practices and the use of appropriate alternatives to mercury-containing devices. These activities are reflected in the following eight project objectives, which are detailed further in the project's logical framework matrix (PDF):

1. Establish model facilities and programs to exemplify best practices in healthcare waste management.
   
2. Deploy and evaluate commercially available, non-incineration healthcare waste treatment technologies appropriate to the needs of each country.
   
3. Develop, test, manufacture and deploy affordable, small-scale non-incineration technologies for use in sub-Saharan Africa.
   
4. Introduce and evaluate the use of mercury-free devices in model facilities.
   
5. Establish or enhance training programs to build capacity for the implementation of best practices and technologies both within and beyond the model facilities and programs.
   
6. Review and update relevant policies.
   
7. Disseminate project results and materials to stakeholders and hold conferences or workshops to encourage replication.
   
8. Make project results on demonstrated best techniques and practices available for dissemination and scaling-up regionally and globally.

By achieving these objectives, the project reduces barriers to the implementation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, the International Waters Global Programme of Action, and the World Health Organization's policies on safe healthcare waste management and on mercury in healthcare. An ancillary benefit of this work is the improvement of health delivery systems through the fostering of good healthcare waste management practices, thereby supporting the prerequisites for achieving the U.N. Millennium Development Goals.

The project's ultimate benefit is the protection of the global environment and public health, as well as patients, healthcare workers, and communities, from the impacts of dioxin and mercury releases. Learn more about the project's structure and partners, methodology, and expected benefits.