The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Grant Agreement (G/A) with the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on April 26 in Colombo for a grant of up to 503 million yen for the “Infectious Waste Management Improvement Project”.
In Sri Lanka, vaccination against new coronavirus infection is progressing, and the amount of infectious waste is rapidly increasing at medical facilities in various regions. The introduction of facilities to properly dispose of these wastes has become an urgent issue, but due to government budget constraints and other reasons, the government has not been able to adequately address this issue. Treatment by aging incinerators and open burning does not allow the waste to reach the proper incineration temperature, resulting in the generation of dioxin, black smoke, and foul odors, as well as an increased risk of exposure to infectious pathogens from improperly managed infectious wastes.
This project will enhance the treatment of infectious waste at medical facilities in Sri Lanka through the construction of 15 medical waste incinerators in Sri Lanka. The project is expected to reduce health hazards caused by infectious diseases and the burden on the surrounding environment, such as smoke pollution and odors, and will contribute to SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) Goal 3 (health and welfare for all).
The details of the project are as follows
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