Assessment of biomedical solid waste management in public healthcare facilities in Cameroon: A case study of north, adamawa, east and northwest

Biomedical waste (BMW) is originally a health and environmental problem. The aim of this study was to analyse the biomedical solid wastes in selected public health centres in Cameroon to improve it, while respecting environmental concerns, technical and socio-cultural norms. This paper is a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted from 16 to 31 January 2016. Data were collected using three instruments (questionnaire, site visitation and in –depth interview). The target population were managers of the selected health facilities, heads of department, supervisors and services responsible for hospital hygiene. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20. Chi-squared test was used to determine level of significance at p < 0.05 The results show that sharps waste, pathological wastes are in all services, Sorting BMW is inadequate in60.0 % of health Care facilities and the use of a non-existent colour coding system in health facilities. Safety boxes for the collection of sharps are available in 56.7% of health facilities and their effective use in65.0% of them. The transport of BMW to the central storage place is done using large seals in 87.4% of health facilities. The elimination of BMW is done in old incinerators or artisanal ovens, with significant smoke leakage in 80% of health facilities. Knowledge of the management of BMW are deemed insufficient by 62.6% of respondents and the health risks associated with DBM known by 80%.In order to enhance uniform and appropriate waste management practices in the country, there is need for capacity building at all levels and also policies and guidelines formulations