Open Medical Waste Dumping at Twajiji Raises Public Concerns in Bidibidi

What the report says

Nile Post reports that residents in Twajiji Village, within Bidibidi settlement in Yumbe District, have complained about alleged open disposal of medical waste at Twajiji Health Centre III. They say used syringes, broken medicine bottles and other hazardous materials from departments including maternity, outpatient care and pharmacy are being left in places accessible to the public, raising fears that children could be injured or exposed to infections.

According to the report, Twajiji LC1 Chairperson Rasul Ijosiga said children have been seen picking up discarded medical items near the facility, and that earlier complaints to health centre management had not been resolved. Another resident, Rahman Alamu Mvizaruku, told Nile Post that the facility previously used pits for waste disposal but has allegedly been dumping waste openly for nearly two years despite community concerns.

Yumbe District Health Officer Dr George Okoboa Angupale said his office had not received a formal report on the matter, but promised to follow up immediately. He said he would contact the facility in-charge to verify the claims and determine what action should be taken. Twajiji Health Centre III is described in the report as a government facility in Romogi Sub-county serving local residents and refugees, with support linked to UNHCR.

The issue matters because unsafe healthcare waste handling can lead to needle-stick injuries and exposure to blood-borne infections such as hepatitis and HIV. Nile Post notes that Ministry of Health guidance requires medical waste to be separated, treated and disposed of safely to protect patients, health workers and nearby communities. Residents are asking health authorities to intervene and ensure safer waste management at the facility.