Strengthening capacities for managing Biomedical waste focusing on Immunization waste

The COVID-19 pandemic in India has led to a massive vaccination drive, generating an enormous amount of inoculation-related waste categorized as Biomedical Waste (BMW), requiring specialized handling and disposal. While BMW rules and guidelines for managing such waste exist in India, they face numerous challenges due to the large volumes generated at dispersed locations, poor governance mechanisms, inadequate infrastructure and training.

In this light, Toxics Link has recently been awarded a project by the World Health Organization (WHO) India to address the gaps in biomedical waste management, focusing on vaccination waste management in the country.

The project aims to develop guidelines and protocols, create training modules, build capacity, and waste-tracking mechanisms to improve infectious waste management in India. Focusing on this, Toxics Link is collaborating with the State health department and the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) to implement the project on ground, including formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), creating a pool of trainers, and conducting training in various healthcare facilities. Through the project, Toxics Link is also building the capacity of different stakeholders and advocating for better policies and their implementation.

The key components of the project include:
 Formulation of SOPs and Training Modules
 Training, Capacity Building and Advocacy
 Setting up of Model Vaccination Centers
 Creating monitoring and reporting mechanisms

Currently, the project is being implemented in 2 states: Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.