Medical Waste Classification & Pre-Treatment Comparison

(Europe vs China vs Africa)

Key Takeaways

1. European incinerators appear “simpler” because front-end segregation ensures stable waste characteristics and combustion loads.

2. China and Africa face different realities: waste streams are more complex, with higher moisture and chlorine content, requiring more advanced flue gas treatment (rapid quenching, wet scrubbers, activated carbon, bag filters).

3. HICLOVER’s design advantage lies in accounting for these non-ideal waste streams, ensuring customers can still achieve international emission standards even when waste segregation is poor and composition is complex.

Air Pollution Control Systems for Incinerators in Tanzania: HICLOVER Dual Chamber Solutions

The growing demand for sustainable healthcare infrastructure in Tanzania has placed waste management at the center of environmental policy. Hospitals, laboratories, and donor-funded clinics face increasing pressure to comply with national standards while handling infectious medical waste. The adoption of air pollution control systems for incinerators in Tanzania has therefore become critical to ensuring public health and environmental protection.

Tanzania’s Environmental Incinerator Challenges

In Tanzania, healthcare and research facilities often generate infectious sharps, pathological waste, and biomedical plastics that cannot be treated with open burning or uncontrolled disposal. The National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) and international donors such as UNDP and WHO require facilities to install reliable incineration systems.
Key challenges include:

• Limited centralized treatment facilities in rural regions.

• High risk of dioxin and furan formation without proper gas cleaning.

• Need for mobile and containerized solutions for remote and temporary sites.

HICLOVER Dual Chamber High Temperature Incinerators

HICLOVER has developed dual chamber high temperature incinerators specifically suited to African conditions. A prime example is the HICLOVER TS50 PLC Model, capable of treating 50 kg/hour of biological waste.

• Primary Chamber: Operates at 850C950°C to ensure complete combustion of organic matter.

• Secondary Chamber: Retains flue gases for at least 2 seconds at >1100°C, preventing harmful emissions.

• PLC Control System: Provides automated ignition, fuel-saving mode, and real-time temperature monitoring.

These features ensure compliance with both WHO standards and Tanzania’s environmental guidelines for healthcare waste treatment.

Advanced Air Pollution Control System

HICLOVER offers modular air pollution control systems designed for Tanzanian facilities facing strict emission controls.

1. Quench Tower C rapid cooling to prevent dioxin reformation.

2. Dry Scrubber C acid-gas neutralization with lime or sodium bicarbonate.

3. Wet Scrubber (optional) C multi-stage absorption with alkaline solution for high-efficiency removal.

4. Baghouse Filter C fine particulate and heavy metal capture.

5. Activated Carbon Module C adsorption of dioxins, furans, and mercury compounds.

This combination ensures emission levels can meet 0.1 ng TEQ/m3 for dioxins, in line with EU WID standards.

Tanzania-Specific Applications

• Rural Clinics and Dispensaries: Use smaller models such as the HICLOVER TS30 with batch loads of 30 kg for sharps and infectious waste.

• Regional Hospitals: Deploy containerized incinerators with integrated pollution control, providing full on-site treatment capacity.

• Donor-Funded Facilities: Many UNDP-supported projects in Tanzania require mobile incinerators capable of rapid deployment in remote or emergency zones.

Why HICLOVER Fits Tanzania’s Needs

• Durability: High-grade refractory and corrosion-resistant steel ensure longevity under tropical and coastal conditions.

• Flexibility: Portable, containerized, or fixed installations available depending on hospital scale.

• Compliance: Meets WHO, GB18484-2020 (China), and EU WID 2000/76/EC standards.

• Local Adaptability: Designed to operate on diesel, natural gas, or LPG, depending on local fuel availability.

Conclusion

With increasing emphasis on sustainable healthcare waste solutions, Tanzania requires incinerators that balance high-temperature dual chamber combustion with advanced air pollution control systems. HICLOVER provides a proven range of models, including the TS30, TS50 PLC, and containerized mobile units, ensuring hospitals, laboratories, and donor-funded projects in Tanzania can achieve safe and environmentally compliant waste treatment.

For more information on Tanzania environmental incinerator solutions, visit www.hiclover.com or contact sales@hiclover.com.

Supplying Waste Incinerators for Livestock and Hatchery Operations in the Republic of Congo

As part of ongoing efforts to modernize agricultural and veterinary waste management, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Republic of Congo has expressed interest in acquiring a biological waste incinerator suitable for handling complex waste streams generated from livestock and hatchery operations.
This includes non-hatched chicks, infertile eggs, placentas, animal carcasses, and pathological waste—all classified as high-risk biological waste requiring safe, controlled destruction.

Proposal from HICLOVER

The TS100 is a robust, dual-chamber incinerator engineered for biological waste, featuring:

• High combustion temperature (>850°C in secondary chamber) to ensure pathogen destruction.

• Diesel-fueled primary combustion supported by an electric PLC control system.

• Average throughput designed for ~100 kg per batch, scalable based on feeding frequency.

• Heavy-duty refractory lining to withstand daily agricultural and hatchery operations.

Waste Incineration Needs in the Republic of Congo

The Republic of Congo, like many Central African countries, faces increasing demand for environmentally compliant biological waste disposal, especially in:

• Large-scale poultry hatcheries dealing with non-hatched chicks and infertile eggs.

• Veterinary laboratories and livestock operations generating pathological waste, animal carcasses, and placental remains.

• Slaughterhouses and meat processing units.

Historically, many farms and facilities relied on open burning or simple single-chamber brick incinerators. These older methods:

• Fail to reach the high temperatures required for complete pathogen destruction.

• Produce visible smoke, odor, and significant particulate emissions.

• Do not comply with modern environmental and veterinary health standards.

Import and Market Trends

The Republic of Congo largely imports incinerators due to limited local manufacturing capacity for specialized equipment. Over the past five years, government ministries, NGOs, and private agribusinesses have procured:

• Small and medium-sized dual-chamber diesel-fired incinerators.

• Mobile or containerized units for field use in remote agricultural zones.

• Incinerators with electronic controls and better emissions management.

Growing urbanization, stricter veterinary regulations, and international support (from FAO, OIE, and development banks) have accelerated this trend.

Why Choose HICLOVER TS100 for Agricultural Biological Waste?

Technical advantages:

• Specifically engineered for dense organic waste like poultry and livestock remains.

• Dual combustion chambers to reduce smoke and odor.

• Flexible installation: can be fixed, skid-mounted, or containerized.

• Electric-powered control panel with temperature monitoring and auto-start.

Operational benefits:

• Average capacity per batch suits medium-scale hatcheries and livestock operations.

• Fast burning cycle keeps pace with daily waste generation.

• Heavy refractory lining ensures durability, even with high-moisture animal waste.

Environmental compliance:

• Meets WHO and FAO recommendations for biological waste disposal.

• High-temperature combustion significantly reduces pathogen load and odor.

• Ash volume reduced to less than 5–10% of original waste volume.

Shipping and Support

HICLOVER can arrange direct delivery to Port of Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo, the country’s principal seaport.
We also offer:

• On-site installation guidance.

• Operator training.

• Spare parts and after-sales technical support.

By selecting the TS100 biological waste incinerator, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Republic of Congo—and other agricultural stakeholders—can:

• Improve farm and hatchery biosecurity.

• Meet modern veterinary health standards.

• Reduce environmental impact compared to open burning.

For detailed technical specifications, price quotations, or references from similar African projects, please visit:
www.hiclover.com
sales@hiclover.com

HICLOVER – providing reliable, high-temperature waste treatment solutions for agriculture, veterinary, and medical sectors across Africa.

Current Status of Medical Waste Incinerator Use in Kenya’s County-Level Healthcare Facilities

Market Analysis

1. Decentralized Healthcare Expansion

Following Kenya’s 2010 constitutional devolution, healthcare responsibilities shifted significantly to county governments. This led to:

• Growth in county-level hospitals, health centers, and dispensaries

• A pressing need for on-site medical waste disposal infrastructure, especially in rural and peri-urban areas

County health departments now seek localized solutions for biohazard waste management, particularly due to:

• Increased immunization programs

• HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis treatment centers

• Maternal and child health facilities

2. Procurement Through County Budgets and Donor Support

County hospitals often procure incinerators through:

• Annual government allocations

• Grants from NGOs, including WHO, GAVI, USAID, and World Bank programs

• Emergency support (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic preparedness funding)

This has led to a fragmented but active procurement market involving both local distributors and foreign manufacturers like HICLOVER.

3. Demand for Small to Medium-Capacity Systems

Most county health units require incinerators with:

• 5 to 100 kg/hour capacity

• Basic to semi-automated systems

• Compact design suitable for space-limited facilities

The demand is typically for cost-effective, easy-to-install, and low-maintenance units.

Technical Characteristics

1. Preference for Dual-Chamber Incinerators

Due to increasing awareness of emission control and regulatory expectations, county-level facilities are shifting from single-chamber to dual-chamber incinerators, which:

• Improve combustion efficiency

• Ensure complete destruction of pathogens

• Minimize smoke and odor

Some counties are also beginning to consider wet scrubber systems for enhanced emission control, especially near residential zones.

2. Fuel Source and Power Requirements

Diesel is the most common fuel due to:

• Limited access to natural gas in rural areas

• High reliability even in off-grid settings

However, low fuel consumption remains a top priority due to high operating costs in county budgets.

3. Local Operation with Minimal Technical Complexity

Most county-level operators lack advanced technical training. Hence, preferred incinerators are:

• PLC-controlled or semi-automatic

• Designed for easy user interface

• Equipped with manual override functions

Vendors like HICLOVER provide models with intelligent sensors, remote training, and video installation support, which are crucial in these environments.

4. Compliance with NEMA and MoH Guidelines

County facilities must comply with:

• Kenya’s National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) air emission standards

• Ministry of Health (MoH) medical waste handling protocols

This has increased demand for technically compliant systems with proper documentation and emission data.

Conclusion

Kenya’s county-level healthcare system is a growing market for compact, compliant, and cost-efficient medical waste incinerators. The combination of decentralization, donor funding, and regulatory enforcement is pushing counties to adopt more technically advanced, low-emission, and user-friendly waste disposal systems.

Manufacturers like HICLOVER, with experience in the African context, modular designs, and CE-compliant technology, are well-positioned to meet these evolving county-level requirements.

Reliable Waste Management in Somalia: HICLOVER Incinerators Supporting UN & AU Camps for Over a Decade

In the heart of East Africa’s most challenging operational environments, HICLOVER has stood as a trusted partner in waste disposal for humanitarian and peacekeeping missions. Across United Nations (UN) camps and African Union (AU) military bases in Somalia, HICLOVER incinerators have been actively running for over ten years, ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible waste management.

Long-Term Solutions for Critical Waste Disposal

Somalia’s UN compounds and AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia) forward operating bases manage massive logistical challenges. Among them, medical waste, food packaging, general solid waste, and hazardous materials all demand secure on-site treatment. That’s where HICLOVER’s incineration technology plays a vital role.

With waste treatment capacities ranging from 50 kg/hour to 300 kg/hour, HICLOVER incinerators are tailored to suit different camp sizes and waste types. Units such as the TS50 PLC, TS100, and TS300 PLC models provide fully automatic operation, high combustion temperatures above 1000°C, and optional features like wet scrubbers and multi-chamber combustion to meet stringent environmental requirements.

Key Benefits Delivered by HICLOVER Incinerators

• High Performance: Efficient combustion with reduced fuel consumption.

• Operational Safety: PLC-controlled systems ensure minimal human contact with hazardous waste.

• Eco-Friendly Disposal: Dioxin control, smoke treatment, and heat retention systems reduce emissions.

• Rapid Deployment: Modular or containerized designs allow fast installation across remote sites.

• Long-Term Reliability: Proven operation for over a decade in rugged Somali environments.

Trusted by UN & International Missions

The use of HICLOVER incinerators in Somalia extends across major mission hubs including Mogadishu, Baidoa, Kismayo, and Belet Weyne, where continuous operations are critical. Procurement through UN contractors, NGOs, and international aid agencies has ensured these incinerators remain core infrastructure in sanitation and environmental health.

Field engineers and technical operators consistently report high uptime, ease of maintenance, and flexibility in waste handling. HICLOVER models have also proven adaptable to local diesel or LPG fuel availability.

Global Reach, Local Impact

Backed by over 15 years of manufacturing excellence, HICLOVER serves clients in over 80 countries, from UN peacekeeping zones to WHO-supported health centers. Whether in conflict zones, field hospitals, or mobile operations, HICLOVER incinerators empower safer, cleaner environments for vulnerable communities and frontline personnel.

Choose HICLOVER C Built for Missions That Matter

If you represent a UN mission, government contractor, NGO, or disaster relief agency, HICLOVER offers:

 Full customization
 Remote or containerized installation
 CE-certified components
 Spare parts & global support

Visit www.hiclover.com to explore the full product range or email info@hiclover.com for expert consultation.

• UN camp waste incinerator Somalia

• African Union base solid waste treatment

• Medical waste incinerators for AMISOM

• Field camp diesel incinerator 100kg/hour

• Containerized incinerator for humanitarian aid

• HICLOVER incinerator supplier Somalia

• Waste management for peacekeeping operations

Medical waste incinerators with a capacity below 100 kg/hr are widely used across African countries for several key reasons, closely tied to infrastructure, healthcare system scale, and funding availability:

1. Small and Decentralized Healthcare Facilities

Many African countries have a decentralized healthcare system composed of small hospitals, clinics, rural health centers, and mobile outreach units. These facilities typically generate relatively low volumes of medical waste, making large-scale incinerators inefficient and cost-prohibitive. A 10–50 kg/hr incinerator can adequately serve a rural health center or a small district hospital.

2. Limited Waste Collection and Transport Infrastructure

In many regions, especially remote or rural areas, centralized waste collection and transportation systems are either absent or underdeveloped. On-site treatment using small incinerators becomes the most practical and immediate solution to prevent hazardous waste accumulation.

3. Budget and Donor Constraints

Government budgets for waste management are limited, and many installations rely on international aid (e.g., WHO, UNDP, World Bank). Donors often fund compact, cost-effective incinerators with lower operating and maintenance costs. These are easier to install and train staff on, compared to complex high-capacity systems.

4. Flexibility and Mobility

Incinerators under 100 kg/hr are often mobile or modular, allowing deployment in emergency zones, temporary clinics, or disaster response operations (e.g., refugee camps). This flexibility is essential in conflict-prone or crisis-affected regions.

5. Regulatory Simplicity

Smaller units are often subject to less stringent environmental regulations and are easier to obtain local approval for. This accelerates deployment in regions where bureaucratic delays are common.

6. Adaptation to Energy and Technical Constraints

Large incinerators often require continuous electricity, high diesel consumption, and skilled technical support—resources that may not be reliably available in many parts of Africa. Smaller units consume less fuel, are easier to maintain, and can be operated with minimal technical input.

Conclusion:

The predominance of medical incinerators under 100 kg/hr in Africa reflects a strategic response to on-the-ground realities—scattered healthcare facilities, limited infrastructure, constrained budgets, and the urgent need for localized, low-cost solutions to medical waste management.

French Version:

Pourquoi les incinérateurs de déchets médicaux en Afrique sont majoritairement de moins de 100 kg/h 

Les incinérateurs de déchets médicaux d’une capacité inférieure à 100 kg/h sont largement utilisés dans les pays africains, en raison de plusieurs facteurs clés liés aux infrastructures, à l’organisation des soins de santé et aux ressources financières :

1. Structures de santé petites et décentralisées

De nombreux pays africains disposent d’un système de santé décentralisé composé de petits hôpitaux, de centres de santé ruraux et de cliniques. Ces structures génèrent des volumes relativement faibles de déchets médicaux. Un incinérateur de 10 à 50 kg/h suffit pour leurs besoins quotidiens.

2. Manque d’infrastructures de collecte et de transport des déchets

Dans les zones rurales ou isolées, les systèmes de collecte et de transport des déchets sont souvent inexistants ou inefficaces. Le traitement sur place à l’aide de petits incinérateurs est donc la solution la plus pratique pour éviter l’accumulation de déchets dangereux.

3. Contraintes budgétaires et dépendance à l’aide internationale

Les budgets publics alloués à la gestion des déchets sont limités, et de nombreux équipements sont financés par des organismes internationaux comme l’OMS, le PNUD ou la Banque mondiale. Ces partenaires privilégient les incinérateurs compacts, économiques, faciles à entretenir et rapides à installer.

4. Mobilité et flexibilité

Les incinérateurs de moins de 100 kg/h sont souvent mobiles ou modulaires, adaptés aux cliniques temporaires, aux zones de crise ou aux camps de réfugiés. Cette capacité d’adaptation est essentielle dans les régions instables ou touchées par des urgences sanitaires.

5. Moins de contraintes réglementaires

Les petits incinérateurs sont soumis à des normes environnementales souvent plus souples, ce qui facilite leur autorisation et leur mise en service rapide, notamment dans les contextes administratifs complexes.

6. Adaptation aux contraintes techniques et énergétiques

Les incinérateurs de grande capacité nécessitent une alimentation électrique continue, une consommation importante de carburant et du personnel qualifié. En Afrique, ces ressources ne sont pas toujours disponibles. Les unités plus petites sont plus simples à utiliser, moins gourmandes en énergie et plus faciles à entretenir.

Conclusion :

La prédominance des incinérateurs de moins de 100 kg/h en Afrique répond aux réalités locales : des structures de santé dispersées, une logistique limitée, des financements réduits et un besoin crucial de solutions de traitement des déchets médicales efficaces et abordables.

Ghana’s healthcare sector generates an increasing volume of medical waste—a byproduct of expanding services and population growth. Proper disposal of infectious and hazardous wastes is critical to protect public health and the environment. Incineration remains one of the most widely adopted treatment methods, particularly for waste that cannot be recycled or safely landfilled. This article explores the current applications of incinerators in Ghana, provides a market overview, profiles major healthcare institutions utilizing this technology, and outlines key funding and support agencies driving improvements in medical waste management.

Market Overview

The market for medical waste incineration in Ghana is characterized by a mix of modern and rudimentary solutions. Major teaching hospitals in urban centers have invested in engineered incinerators, while many smaller health facilities rely on basic pits or outdated equipment lacking air pollution control. A recent study of five major hospitals found that all surveyed incinerators operated without proper emission controls, leading to concerns over dioxin and furan release (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Despite these challenges, the government and international partners are promoting safer, higher-capacity systems to meet rising demand.

Applications of Incinerators

• Teaching Hospitals

  • Ho Teaching Hospital operates two functional incinerators—one LPG-fired and one diesel-fired—to burn infectious and hazardous wastes daily. Waste is incinerated from predawn until the end of the day, with resulting ash buried on-site (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

  • Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) utilizes an “Incinco” incinerator (since 1996) for anatomical wastes and a recently installed Addfield MP400 LPG incinerator for infectious waste, processing 30–50 kg per cycle at temperatures up to 1,200 °C (researchgate.net, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

  • Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) runs a two-chambered diesel “Incinco” unit, operating 5–6 hours daily, seven days a week, through a 20-foot chimney stack (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

• Regional and District Hospitals
  Facilities such as Brong Regional Hospital (Sunyani) and University of Cape Coast Hospital rely on locally fabricated incinerators or imported units without air pollution control devices. Here, cycle times range from 2 to 6 hours, often leading to incomplete combustion and manual waste burning in pits for certain items (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

• Emerging Non-Incineration Technologies
  Although incineration is prevalent, facilities like the Kumasi Medical Waste Treatment Plant have introduced microwave treatment equipment capable of handling up to 10 tonnes of hazardous waste per day without atmospheric emissions (thebftonline.com). However, widespread adoption of non-incineration methods remains limited.

Key Institutions and Users

• Public Healthcare Facilities: Major teaching hospitals (KBTH, KATH, Ho Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital) lead incinerator usage, driven by higher waste volumes and technical capacity.

• Private Clinics and Laboratories: Many smaller clinics lack on-site incinerators, relying on municipal waste companies like Zoomlion to transport segregated medical waste to central facilities or open pits.

• Municipal Assemblies: Local government bodies oversee permitting for waste burial and regulate private operators, though enforcement of emission standards is uneven.

Funding and Support Agencies

• World Health Organization (WHO) & Ghana EPA: Issue guidelines and recommend incineration as a temporary solution, emphasizing the need for air pollution control devices (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) & Global Environment Facility (GEF): Have piloted projects installing autoclave units at facilities like Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, shifting away from low-temperature incineration to steam-based sterilization (undp.org).

• Health Care Without Harm (HCWH): Advocates for safer alternatives and capacity building, collaborating with local stakeholders to improve waste sorting and treatment.

• Bilateral Donors (e.g., USAID, JICA): Occasionally fund upgrades to incineration equipment and training, although project details are often dispersed across multiple health initiatives.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Environmental Concerns: Lack of emission controls on incinerators leads to toxic pollutant release.

• Operational Constraints: Overuse and improper sorting overstretch equipment designed for lower waste volumes, reducing lifespan and efficiency (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

• Financial Barriers: High capital and maintenance costs limit procurement of modern incinerators with built-in air pollution control.

• Opportunities: Scaling microwave and autoclave technologies, expanding funding for APCDs, and enhancing training on waste segregation can drive market growth and environmental compliance.

Conclusion

Medical waste incineration in Ghana represents a vital component of the nation’s healthcare waste management system. While major hospitals have made strides with engineered incinerators, significant gaps remain in emission controls, equipment maintenance, and adoption by smaller facilities. Continued investment from international agencies, coupled with the gradual introduction of non-incineration technologies and stricter regulatory enforcement, will be key to ensuring safe, sustainable disposal of medical waste across Ghana.

Introduction

Le secteur de la santé au Ghana génère un volume croissant de déchets médicaux, conséquence de l’expansion des services et de la croissance démographique. L’élimination adéquate des déchets infectieux et dangereux est cruciale pour protéger la santé publique et l’environnement. L’incinération reste l’une des méthodes de traitement les plus répandues, notamment pour les déchets non recyclables ou non enfouissables. Cet article examine les applications actuelles des incinérateurs au Ghana, donne un aperçu du marché, présente les principaux établissements de santé utilisateurs et décrit les agences de financement et de soutien.

Aperçu du marché

Le marché de l’incinération des déchets médicaux au Ghana se caractérise par un mélange de solutions modernes et rudimentaires. Les hôpitaux universitaires urbains ont investi dans des incinérateurs conçus industriellement, tandis que de nombreux établissements plus petits utilisent des fosses ou des équipements obsolètes sans contrôle des émissions. Une étude récente a montré que tous les incinérateurs examinés fonctionnaient sans dispositifs de contrôle des émissions, ce qui soulève des inquiétudes concernant la libération de dioxines et de furannes.

Applications des incinérateurs

• Hôpitaux universitaires

  • Ho Teaching Hospital exploite deux incinérateurs (GPL et diesel) pour brûler quotidiennement les déchets infectieux et dangereux.

  • Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital utilise un incinérateur « Incinco » pour les déchets anatomiques et un incinérateur Addfield MP400 pour les déchets infectieux, traitant 30–50 kg par cycle.

  • Korle Bu Teaching Hospital dispose d’un incinérateur diesel à deux chambres, fonctionnant 5–6 heures par jour.

• Hôpitaux régionaux et district
  Des établissements comme le Brong Regional Hospital et l’University of Cape Coast Hospital utilisent des incinérateurs locaux ou importés sans dispositifs de contrôle, avec des temps de cycle de 2 à 6 heures.

• Technologies émergentes sans incinération
  L’usine de traitement des déchets médicaux de Kumasi a introduit des équipements de traitement par micro-ondes, capables de traiter jusqu’à 10 tonnes de déchets par jour sans émissions atmosphériques.

Institutions utilisatrices

• Établissements publics : principaux hôpitaux universitaires (KBTH, KATH, Ho, Cape Coast)

• Cliniques privées et laboratoires : souvent sans incinérateurs sur site, dépendant de sociétés comme Zoomlion.

• Assemblées municipales : gèrent les permis et régulent les opérateurs privés, avec une application variable des normes.

Agences de financement et de soutien

• OMS & Ghana EPA : émettent des directives et recommandent l’incinération comme solution temporaire.

• PNUD & GEF : ont piloté des projets d’installation d’autoclaves pour stériliser les déchets infectieux.

• Health Care Without Harm : plaide pour des alternatives plus sûres et renforce les capacités locales.

• Donateurs bilatéraux : (USAID, JICA) financent occasionnellement des équipements et des formations.

Défis et opportunités

• Environnementaux : émissions toxiques non contrôlées.

• Opérationnels : surcharge et tri inadéquat des déchets.

• Financiers : coûts élevés d’acquisition et de maintenance.

• Opportunités : diffusion des technologies par micro-ondes et des autoclaves, financement des dispositifs de contrôle des émissions et formation au tri.

Conclusion

L’incinération des déchets médicaux au Ghana est essentielle pour la gestion des déchets de santé. Si les grands hôpitaux universitaires ont fait des progrès, il subsiste des lacunes en matière de contrôle des émissions, d’entretien des équipements et d’adoption par les petits établissements. Les investissements continus des agences internationales, l’introduction progressive de technologies non incinératoires et un renforcement réglementaire seront déterminants pour un traitement sûr et durable des déchets médicaux au Ghana.

WHO-supported incinerators by country

• Tajikistan (2022)
  Through Gavi partnership, WHO supplied 8 diesel-fired (20–30 kg) and 6 wood-fired (10–15 kg) incinerators across regions to improve vaccine-related waste disposal in remote immunization centers (who.int).

• Sudan (May 2024)
  WHO, with EU funding, installed 8 high-temperature, zero-emission incinerators in hospitals across five states—Northern, Red Sea, Gedaref, Blue Nile, and River Nile—to enhance infection control and environmental safety .

• Yemen (by 2024)
  A joint initiative by WHO and the World Bank resulted in the deployment of 60 treatment units (shredders with burial pits), enabling 139 of 170 health facilities to safely handle medical waste (up from ~20%) (essentialaction.org).

UNDP & partners (GEF-funded) in Africa

• Across Ghana, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Zambia, UNDP–WHO–Health Care Without Harm introduced non‑burn technologies—autoclaves, microwaves—and implemented best practices, reducing reliance on polluting low‑cost incinerators (global.noharm.org).

• Incinerators for pharmaceutical waste were installed with UNDP support in Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Chad, São Tomé & Príncipe, Sudan, and Zambia (undp-capacitydevelopmentforhealth.org).

World Bank Involvement

• The World Bank has historically funded at least 30 health sector projects involving incinerators in over 20 countries (essentialaction.org).

• Among ~156 World Bank Group (WBG) waste‑tech projects, ~29% included health-care waste incineration, with ~49% of all projects in Africa, and high concentrate in Kenya (12 projects), Brazil (8), Turkey (7), India (6), Zimbabwe (6), Tanzania (5), Mexico (5), Argentina (5), South Africa (5), Zambia (5) (essentialaction.org).

However, the Bank has faced criticism for continuing to promote incineration over safer alternatives, despite environmental concerns—experts argue that advanced alternatives are safer and more sustainable (essentialaction.org).

 Environmental & Health Impacts

• Hazards: Low‑temperature or unimproved incinerators release harmful pollutants—dioxins, furans, heavy metals, particulate matter—and residual ash may leach toxins (unep.org).

• Standards: Safe incineration requires high temperatures (≥850‑1 100 °C) and gas‑cleaning systems; otherwise, air pollution and public health risks remain high (who.int).

• WHO/UNDP push: WHO encourages adoption of non‑burn alternatives (autoclaving, microwaving, chemical disinfection) where feasible (who.int).

Summary Table – By Support & Scale

• Medical waste incinerator projects

• WHO‑supported medical waste disposal

• World Bank medical waste management

• UNDP medical/pharmaceutical incinerators

• High‑temperature incinerators ≥850 °C

• Non‑burn alternatives in healthcare waste

• Environmental impact of healthcare incinerators

1. Highlight key actors: WHO, World Bank, UNDP, GEF, Gavi, EU.

2. Quantify scope: units installed (e.g., 14 in Tajikistan, 8 in Sudan).

3. Emphasize standards: High-temp (>850°C) vs low-temp emissions.

4. Stress alternatives: Autoclaves, microwaves, shredders.

5. Discuss geography: Strong focus on Africa, Central Asia, Middle East.

6. Acknowledge critiques: WBG’s environmental concerns.

Overall, globally-funded medical waste incineration efforts have scaled across 20+ countries—with WHO deploying dozens of both modern incinerators and treatment units (e.g., 14 in Tajikistan, 8 in Sudan, 60 units in Yemen), UNDP/GEF backing non‑burn and pharma incineration in Africa, and the World Bank funding 30+ projects. Yet environmental experts advocate for high‑temperature incinerators with proper emission controls—or better still, non‑burn technologies—to minimize risks.