Biomedical waste management: navigating the challenges to achieve the promise of sustainable development goal 3

Abstract

The United Nations has endorsed the sustainable development goals (SDGs), which has necessitated decades of efforts by countries worldwide to attain the principal goals by 2030. The primary objective is to achieve SDG 3, which aims to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance and diseases caused by biomedical waste (BMW), including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases. Targets 3.3 and 3.9 of SDG 3 significantly emphasize mitigating global health concerns to alleviate the burden on healthcare systems. Considering the enormous quantities of BMW generated by these systems, the safe disposal of BMW requires special attention. BMW management presents a multitude of challenges for both developed and underdeveloped countries, especially South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, where rapid urbanization, high population densities, and expanding healthcare services have contributed to a significant increase in BMW generation. According to official statistics, approximately 884.1 t of BMW are generated daily by the SAARC countries, particularly India, which generates the largest quantities of BMW (619 t/d), highlighting the urgent need for action to resolve the issue of proper BMW disposal. Severe policy gridlock, limited surveillance data, inadequate oversight, and insufficient caution regarding BMW disposal pose a significant threat to humans, animals, and the environment. The direct disposal of antibiotic medications into the soil and surface water bodies has resulted in the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which decreases the effectiveness of available treatments. This review assessed the progress made by SAARC countries in achieving SDG 3 by examining the various environmental and human health effects associated with BMW, with the objective of improving BMW management.

Graphical abstract