Healthcare Waste Management (HCWM) is essential for protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring safety within healthcare facilities. Although HCWM is globally recognized and aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly those related to health, sanitation, and environmental sustainability—it remains inadequately resourced in many countries, including Malawi. Malawi’s healthcare system, encompassing both public and private sectors, has established regulatory frameworks and policies to guide HCWM, such as the Malawi Standards and the National Environmental Health Policy. This study aims to critically evaluate HCWM practices in Malawi by examining existing strengths and weaknesses, identifying key challenges, and proposing opportunities for improvement to promote a safer and more sustainable healthcare environment.

This study evaluates the nation’s HCWM practices, identifies challenges, and recommends improvements to foster a safer healthcare system. The assessment of Healthcare Waste Management (HCWM) in selected Malawian healthcare facilities revealed inconsistencies in waste quantification, segregation, and treatment. Facilities exhibited unsafe waste transportation and storage, with prevalent use of inadequate incineration methods. Additionally, waste handlers lacked essential Personal Protective Equipment and were unvaccinated against Hepatitis B. Despite a comprehensive HCWM policy, notable gaps persist in the legal framework and practical application.

Keywords:
Health care waste, Bio hazards, Safety, Waste management policy, Capacity building