The current epidemic of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in areas of East Africa has prompted the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to issue a precautionary advise to hospitals, medical waste handlers, transporters, and treatment operators across Lagos State.
A statement from the Lagos state government explained that the agency was taking this step to make sure that everyone in the state was well-prepared and that all protocols for medical waste management and infection control were followed to the letter.
While addressing concerns about the potential transmission of infectious diseases due to improper medical waste treatment, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the managing director and managing director of LAWMA, revealed this.
Nevertheless, he made it clear that the advise was solely preventative and that there was no verified incidence of Ebola Virus Disease in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria at the present time.
He said that the agency thought it was critical for hospitals and companies handling medical waste to be on high alert and follow all regulations.
He elaborated on how important it was to properly manage medical waste in order to safeguard everyone involved (patients, healthcare staff, trash handlers, and residents) from the spread of contagious diseases.
Even though there hasn’t been a confirmed case of Ebola in Nigeria or Lagos just yet, being ready is still the best way to avoid becoming sick. Thus, he emphasised the need for all healthcare facilities and licensed medical waste operators to tighten up on infection control and prevention measures, while also making sure that everyone follows the rules when it comes to medical waste management.
Regular hand hygiene, the correct use of personal protective equipment, the safe handling of medical samples, environmental decontamination, and the proper separation of infectious waste at source are some of the infection prevention and control measures that LAWMA has directed health institutions across the state to reinforce.
The authorities emphasised the importance of adhering to established protocols when dealing with infectious waste, including collecting, transporting, treating, and disposing of medical waste.
The significance of consistently donning protective gear throughout waste management operations was further emphasised.
According to Dr. Gbadegesin, LAWMA will keep monitoring, enforcing compliance, and engaging with health sector stakeholders to support preparedness activities.
He stressed the need of healthcare facilities being on high alert, reevaluating their infection prevention protocols as needed, and reporting any suspected public health issues through the proper channels as soon as possible.
The head of LAWMA also wanted to reassure the people of Lagos State that everything was still under close watch to ensure the public’s safety, saying that systems for preparation, response, and monitoring were still in place.
To further guarantee that the state’s medical waste management systems were secure, effective, and able to react to new health risks, he went on to say that the authority will maintain its training, awareness, and compliance programs.