In the aftermath of Ebola, a bigger focus has been on proper handling of medical waste in Sierra Leone. In rural health clinics, the produced waste needs to be eliminated locally as soon as possible and in a simple, sustainable and safe manner. The reason for this is that the waste might be toxic, contaminated or infectious.

Furthermore, for some people from outside, it might be considered valuable, either suitable for unintended use or for sale on the black market. Improper disposal of health-care waste (syringes and needles) that are scavenged and reused, may lead to significant numbers of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and possibly other infections.

The purpose of the project is to establish incinerators for medical waste at eight rural health clinics in Kenema, Sierra Leone. The project also includes implementation of health care waste management, staff training and behavior training, and proper use of tools and disposal methods etc.

Construction of the incinerators is scheduled to take place in autumn/winter 2018.

The project contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals regarding good health and well-being (#3), responsible consumption and production (#12) and partnerships for the goals (#17).