Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks a Major Step in Healthcare Waste Management in PNG
01 February 2025
Kwikila, 31 January 2025, A major milestone in healthcare waste management was achieved on Friday 31st January with the groundbreaking ceremony for a new incinerator shed at Kwikila District Hospital. This initiative is funded by the Government through the World Bank and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Papua New Guinea.
The new incinerator facility will enhance the hospital’s ability to safely dispose of medical waste, mitigating health risks for both patients and healthcare workers. Government officials, representatives from UNOPS, World Bank officials, partners, state agencies and local health authorities attended the event, emphasizing the significance of this project in strengthening Papua New Guinea’s healthcare system.
Strengthening Healthcare Through Sustainable Waste Management
The incinerator installation at Kwikila District Hospital is part of a larger initiative under the PNG COVID-19 Emergency Response Project Extension, which aims to improve medical waste management across Papua New Guinea. As part of the project, 21 medical waste incinerators, each with a 50 kg capacity, will be installed and commissioned in provincial hospitals nationwide.
Beyond waste management, the project also focuses on strengthening the country’s COVID-19 response by improving testing capacity and installing critical healthcare infrastructure. The initiative will not only address the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic but also create long-term improvements in the country’s healthcare system.
Partnerships for a Stronger Healthcare System
The PNG COVID-19 Emergency Response Project Extension is a collaborative effort between UNOPS, the Government of Papua New Guinea, and the World Bank. The project has facilitated the installation and site preparation of critical medical waste equipment, ensuring hospitals have the resources needed to provide safe and effective care.
This partnership underscores the commitment to strengthening Papua New Guinea’s healthcare infrastructure. Through joint efforts, this project will improve healthcare waste management, enhance testing capacity, and provide sustainable solutions to mitigate health risks in medical facilities across the country.
UNOPS Country Manager Sirpa Jarvenpaa highlighted the broader impact of the initiative: “The project builds the Government’s capacity to strengthen preparedness, and response of the health system to prevent, diagnose, and treat virus-related communicable diseases. It improves sanitation and the environmental management of medical waste, mitigates the spread of disease and reduces the likelihood of infections, a crucial measure for frontline health workers, who are in frequent contact with patients and high-risk individuals.”
With the groundbreaking ceremony at Kwikila District Hospital on 31 January 2025, Papua New Guinea takes another crucial step toward building a stronger, safer, and more resilient healthcare system.
**ENDS**
Press Contacts: Ffion Conlon, UNOPS Partnerships Specialist for South East Asia and Pacific ffionc@unops.org
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