Maldives installs medical waste systems across 21 islands
UNDP–Japan initiative completes facilities in 21 Maldivian islands as country strengthens health infrastructure and environmental safeguards amid climate-linked vulnerabilities
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — Medical waste management systems have been installed and officially handed over across 21 islands in the Maldives, marking a major effort to improve public health and protect the country’s fragile marine environment from hazardous healthcare waste.
The initiative forms part of a $4.4 million regional project led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with financial support from the Government of Japan, to strengthen medical waste management systems across Southwest Asia.
In the Maldives, the newly operational systems have been deployed in 21 community health centers, where they are expected to significantly reduce contamination risks and improve safety standards.
Following completion, UNDP officially transferred the facilities and equipment to the Government of Maldives.
Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim said the development strengthens national health delivery and environmental protection, describing it as essential for long-term resilience in a geographically dispersed island nation highly exposed to pollution and climate-driven threats.
The upgrades include newly built health-sector waste management facilities, clean-energy vehicles and disposal units designed for safe handling, transport and treatment of infectious medical materials.
The project also delivered 65 electric tricycles for waste collection and improved digital infrastructure through 270 computer systems and 40 network switches to modernize data and logistics management.
In addition, essential hospital equipment — including ECG units and autoclave sterilization systems — has been distributed to remote islands where medical technology access has been limited.
A key component of the program involved training 656 healthcare workers in safe waste-processing practices to ensure sustainable, long-term operation of the facilities.
Authorities say additional services are planned under broader efforts to strengthen health resilience and environmental safety across the archipelago.
The Maldives, a low-lying island nation, faces severe environmental pressures driven by rising waste volumes, coastal erosion and climate change, placing renewed urgency on strengthening essential public health infrastructure.
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