By George Mponda

Mzuzu, March 7, Mana: Ministry of Health has oriented health workers and District Information Officers from hospitals as well as districts in the Northern Region on the proper dissemination of healthcare waste management practices.

Speaking in Mzuzu at the end of a three day orientation which was organised by the Ministry of Health through the Public Health Division with funding from Global Fund and Gavi, the ministry's Chief Public Health Officer Sydney Paul said they decided to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage healthcare waste and promote environmental sustainability.

"The Healthcare Waste Management Policy, which was approved by cabinet in 2024, aims to harmonise practices and guide staff and institutions involved in the management of healthcare waste.

“To create awareness and facilitate implementation of the policy, we planned dissemination sessions for healthcare workers and district information officers for them to have a thorough understanding of healthcare waste management principles and practices," said Paul.

He stressed that healthcare workers and information officers play a critical role in disseminating accurate information on healthcare waste management practices to the public.

"Information sharing helps in behavior change and raising awareness, so district information officers are important because they are in touch with communities and various stakeholders at the council level. So, we are trying to increase our scope when it comes to raising awareness on healthcare waste management," added Paul.

On his part, District Information Officer for Nkhatabay, Chisomo Kambandanga praised the orientation saying it will help health workers and information officers to educate the public on proper healthcare waste management practices.

"We have been educated on the importance of proper waste handling and disposal practices to prevent the spread of diseases and promoting environmental sustainability.

“This knowledge will help us employ skills necessary to develop effective communication strategies and messaging on healthcare waste management practices which will promote environmental sustainability in our communities," said Kambandanga.

The Ministry of Health has conducted similar orientation programs in the central and southern regions of the country, with the goal of promoting proper healthcare waste management practices nationwide.