The Maldives is famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes, but the country is also making its mark on improving the practices of healthcare and protecting the environment. There is an intensive effort to build proper infrastructure and provide adequate training on the infectious waste handling procedures in the healthcare facilities across the archipelago.
Laying the Groundwork: Developing Infrastructure
As part of the project for the improvement of the infectious waste management in south-west Asia sponsored by the people of Japan, UNDP in Maldives is working on the proper provision of the healthcare waste management facilities with the requisite equipment for managing healthcare waste. So far, by the first quarter of 2025, construction of these facilities has been completed at 17 locations throughout the country. This work improves the ability of the country to manage healthcare waste in a more systematic manner.
Mobilising Support: WHO and Canadian Aid
The United Nations Development Programme Maldives is broadening its scope further with the partnership of the World Health Organisation (WHO), funded by the Government of Canada. This partnership aims at constructing healthcare waste management facilities at an additional seven sites so that a greater number of healthcare facilities can retrieve the infrastructure needed to manage infectious waste.
Empowering Healthcare Workers: PPE and Critical Supplies
In realisation of the primary goal for the healthcare facilities to responsibly and efficiently manage the waste, the project provides crucial waste handling components and personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare facilities. These necessary items are being distributed to health facilities in the Maldives and therefore, the means to safeguard healthcare workers are being supplied. This is intended to shield healthcare workers from the dangers that emanate from injurious or infectious waste.
Technology in Focus: Sterilization Autoclaves
The procurement of two medical waste sterilisation autoclaves has been completed and is under the custody of the Ministry of Health. These units are strictly intended for the Haa Alif Thuraakunu and Haa Alif Thakandhoo Island Health Centres, which are situated in the northern part of the Maldives. It is anticipated that the installation of these autoclaves, as well as the training of healthcare workers on their use, will be completed by the second quarter of 2025.
Healthcare Training: Building Capacity
The project is not only for the infrastructure and equipment but also incorporates the ―human component. An infectious waste management training programme in the Maldives has been developed, coordinated with WHO, and aims to equip healthcare personnel with essential knowledge and skills. The course on healthcare waste management applies best available practices and includes occupational safety as well as waste classification, segregation, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal. To date, 601 staff members have been trained, including 503 females and 98 males.
Eco-Friendly Approach: Electric Tricycles for Waste Management
In an effort to promote green initiatives, 65 electric tricycles have been distributed to health facilities on the islands. These tricycles will aid in the transportation of treated healthcare waste to island-level disposal sites, which, in turn, will reduce the carbon footprint and fuel consumption of the healthcare waste management system.
Technological Improvements: Upgrading the Health Sector
As part of the overall project, digital infrastructure is recognised as critical in enhancing the operational efficiency of the health services. Computer networking and telecommunications materials have been supplied to the Ministry of Health for the use of island health facilities. This intervention is aimed at improving the information technology backbone of the health system for effective communication and data handling.
Integrated Strategy for Healthcare Safety and Environmental Sustainability
The project activities in the Maldives are an example of integrated healthcare improvements where attention is not just on the clinical aspects of care but also on waste management, digital systems, and infrastructure components. With the investment in effective waste management systems, protected healthcare work environments, and digitalized services, the Maldives seeks efficient and environmentally sustainable healthcare services for their citizens.
