Evaluation of Healthcare Waste Management Practices in General Hospitals in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria

Improper management of healthcare waste constitutes a significant environmental and public health risk, exposing healthcare workers, patients, and surrounding communities to infectious agents and hazardous substances. This study evaluated healthcare waste management practices in five general hospitals in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. Observational assessments, document reviews, and structured interviews with 180 healthcare workers were conducted. The evaluation covered waste segregation, labelling, collection frequency, storage conditions, transportation protocols, and final disposal methods. Results showed that sixty-nine percent of sampled facilities did not consistently practise waste segregation at the point of generation, leading to mixing of infectious and general waste streams. Colour-coded waste bins were present in only forty percent of wards. Incinerators were available in three facilities, but only one was fully functional and compliant with emissions standards. Open burning on hospital premises was documented in two facilities. Personal protective equipment compliance among waste handlers was forty-three percent. Knowledge of healthcare waste management policies was adequate in only thirty-eight percent of interviewed staff. The study concludes that healthcare waste management in Sokoto State hospitals remains below national regulatory standards. Recommendations include staff training programs, procurement of functional treatment equipment, and enforcement of the National Healthcare Waste Management Policy by the Sokoto State Ministry of Health. Keywords: healthcare waste management, hospitals, Sokoto, segregation, infection control.