The objective of the hazardous and health care waste management programme is to reduce the environmental burden of disease in health care settings and make the health sector more environmentally-friendly compliant. Activities of the programme include:

• assessing environmental health in health care settings
• developing strategic documents and guidelines
• conducting training courses on environmental health in health care facilities
• conducting pilot projects.

Activities of the programme to alleviate the burden of disease through the proper management of health care wastes in countries include:

• assessing the burden of diseases associated with injection devices and implementing safe waste management practices (Pakistan)
• conducting training activities on health care waste management with special focus on sharps wastes and injection devices (Afghanistan, Djibouti and Pakistan)
• developing a guidance document on environmental health in health care settings with a special focus on health care waste management (Sudan)
• developing plans on health care waste management (Yemen).

The programme also works with communities to build their capacity in managing wastes and related hygiene issues. Community-based solid waste management and associated hygiene projects have been promoted in Morocco, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen.