Likoma Island to Get First Mechanical Incinerator for Medical Waste
The mechanical incinerator is part of a broader Environmental and Social Management Plan for the island.
LIKOMA ISLAND, Malawi— Likoma Island is set to receive its first mechanical incinerator at Chima Health Center, aimed at reducing healthcare-associated infections and improving medical waste management, writes Mercy Phiri.
Jenipher Phiri, a medical waste management specialist at the Public Health Institute of Malawi, said the new machinery will use regulated temperatures to completely burn infected medical items, reducing the spread of infections such as HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
"This will not only prevent disease spread to the community but it will also prevent health workers from getting similar infections," Phiri said.
The project, funded by the World Bank and other partners for K490 million, is expected to be installed within the next three months, pending final approvals.
Jomo Sumani, Health Promotion Officer for Likoma District Health Office, told Africabrief that the new incinerator will address the health risk posed by children collecting disposable medical waste around health facilities.
The mechanical incinerator is part of a broader Environmental and Social Management Plan for the island.