WHO appealed to the countries to solve the problem of sharply increased volume of medical waste in conditions of the coronavirus pandemic. TASS reported with reference to the report of the organization.

According to WHO, from March 2020 to November 2021, about 87,000 tons of personal protective equipment have been used worldwide. These are only those PPE, which were supplied under the «UN emergency initiative», but other channels are not taken into account, as well as the volume of waste generated by the use of masks by the population.

In addition, more than 140 million coronavirus tests have been administered worldwide, generating 2,600 tons of waste, mostly in the form of plastic, as well as 731,000 liters of liquid chemical waste. Use of 8 billion doses of the vaccine created 144,000 tons of additional waste in the form of syringes, needles and packaging materials worldwide.

Mike Ryan, Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies Programme said it’s essential to not only provide health care workers with proper personal protective equipment, but also to ensure that these products are used safely, without impacting the environment.

«The tens of thousands of tons of additional medical waste generated by the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has put tremendous strain on health care waste control systems, endangering human health and the environment,» the organization stressed.

WHO recommends improving the system of waste disposal and making it safer. In particular, it is about the use of recyclable packaging materials in the health care system, as well as personal protective equipment, including masks and gloves, which could be reused.