The disposal system
A New Standard for Medical Waste Management in Cameroon
In Cameroon, the disposal of medical waste has long been a major challenge. Many hospitals previously discarded their waste as though it were household garbage, and in Yaoundé there was no dedicated system for the responsible, environmentally sound treatment of hospital waste.
At the Centre Médical Dr. Gnipieven Tekombo Foundation, we have changed this. Our medical center has been built with a comprehensive, international-standard waste management system that prioritizes public health, safety, and environmental responsibility.
Separation and Safe Handling
To meet strict infection control and hygiene standards, the medical center will implement a waste separation and disposal system. This approach classifies and manages waste in four key categories:
Household-type Waste
Hospital-specific Waste
Infectious or High-risk Waste
Environmentally Hazardous Waste
By clearly separating each type, we minimize risks and ensure each category receives the correct treatment.
On-Site Incineration & Responsible Disposal
Our facility includes its own incineration and disposal plant, located on the hospital grounds. This system allows us to take direct responsibility for the environmentally friendly and compliant destruction of medical waste — reducing dependence on inadequate external systems and protecting surrounding communities.
Collaboration for a Cleaner Future
The development of this innovative system was carried out in close collaboration with local engineers in Ngaoundéré. Beyond serving our own medical center, we have begun sharing this responsible waste disposal model with other clinics across Cameroon. By offering this critical waste management service, we are helping to improve public health standards and create a lasting, positive impact on the environment.
