On May 7th of every year, the nation celebrates Health Workers’ Day by virtue of Republic Act 1009, to recognize the invaluable contributions of those who work in the healthcare sector. This year, the Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Waste Management Project (HCW Project) is honoring the health workers at the frontlines of managing waste from hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. These are individuals who are at risk of injuries and exposure to infectious diseases and toxic chemicals.
Properly segregating medical waste at its source is a simple yet vital practice that significantly reduces the risk of injuries and infections among healthcare waste workers. When hazardous items like used needles, scalpels, and other sharps are correctly disposed of, it minimizes the chance of needlestick injuries—one of the most common and dangerous incidents in healthcare settings. Such injuries can expose workers to bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 3 million of the 35 million healthcare workers globally experience accidental skin punctures from contaminated needles or sharps each year, putting them at risk of bloodborne infections.
However, a recent Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perception (KAP) survey conducted by the HCW Project in three hospitals and their surrounding barangays—in Region 2, Region 8, and the National Capital Region—revealed notable gaps and misconceptions in community awareness regarding hazardous waste disposal and waste minimization practices. These include varying levels of understanding of proper waste segregation, with hospital personnel reporting that improper segregation remains one of the major challenges they encounter in waste management.
The public can play a meaningful role in protecting healthcare waste workers by practicing proper waste segregation, even outside hospital walls. By simply sorting household waste correctly, especially used masks, tissues, and other potentially infectious materials, we help reduce the risk of exposure for those who handle waste every day. This small act of responsibility honors the dedication and sacrifice of healthcare waste workers who often go unrecognized. On Health Workers’ Day, let us show our appreciation not only through words, but through conscious actions that support their safety and well-being.
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The Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management Project aims to improve healthcare waste management in the country, with a special focus on reducing the release and emissions of hazardous substances from healthcare waste. Implemented by UNIDO and the DENR-EMB, the project receives funding support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with BAN Toxics serving as the executing partner.
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