An evaluation of health care wastes handling practices in Kericho District, Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya, as in many other developing countries, there are challenges regarding management of health care wastes. WHO (1999) have indicated that poor waste handling practices in Health care institutions poses serious health concerns .The notable ones include spread of Hepatitis B and C, Leprosy, Rabies, HIV among other diseases which may be contracted through poorly disposed sharps. The general objective of this study was to evaluate the current situation regarding health care wastes disposal practices in Kericho District, Kenya. This research was conducted in the form of a descriptive research. A total of nineteen different health care facilities in Kericho District were sampled for the study out of fifty five health care facilities both public and private. These health facilities included hospitals, health centers, dispensaries and private clinics. Purposive and stratified sampling was used for the study. Semi-structured questionnaires, observational checklist and in-depth interviews with relevant staff were used as methods of data collection. The findings of this study indicate that medical wastes practices in Kericho District is poor. Segregation, collection, storage, transport and final disposal of wastes is not well carried out as stipulated. Waste segregation and color coding are poorly adhered to while most of the storage areas are too small. In addition waste handlers lack basic training and qualifications in waste handling. There is also lack of awareness about existing policies on health care wastes. It was concluded that, the medical waste management in Kericho District is still poor. Awareness should be raised for health workers and waste handlers on proper management of the medical wastes.