Bangladesh Launches Project to Curb Medical Waste Crisis

Bangladesh Launches Project to Curb Medical Waste Crisis

A new healthcare waste management initiative has been launched in Bangladesh to protect more than 7.3 million people from infection risks linked to untreated medical waste while strengthening climate resilience in the public health system.

Backed by USD 7.1 million (JPY ¥1,023,546,180) in funding, the project will create a sustainable and replicable model for managing medical waste in underserved and climate-vulnerable areas.

Medical waste is a growing threat in rural and disaster-prone districts, where hospitals now generate an average of 3.4 kilograms per bed each day, up from 2 kilograms in 2019. Infrastructure development has not kept pace: more than 80 per cent of municipalities still lack proper treatment facilities. Seasonal floods and cyclones often spread untreated infectious waste into nearby communities and waterways, heightening risks of HIV, hepatitis, and other bacterial infections.

To tackle these challenges, six modern, climate-resilient treatment facilities will be built, serving thousands daily and reaching over 1.8 million people each year. The programme will also train 1,400 healthcare professionals and waste workers, while involving 250 community elders and volunteers to promote safe handling and disposal practices.

The initiative emphasises behavioural change and local capacity-building to ensure lasting impact. It integrates modern infrastructure, recycling solutions, workforce training, and close cooperation with local authorities, offering a blueprint for other low-resource, high-risk regions worldwide.

By directly linking infection control with climate resilience and stronger governance, the project aims to safeguard public health while building more sustainable healthcare systems for the future.