The Department of Health (DOH) said it has collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the government of China to further improve the Philippines' healthcare waste management.
On Friday, Dec. 16, the UNDP turned over to the DOH the project called "Learning Experience to Improve the Ability of Response to Covid-19 in Asia and the Pacific."
The DOH said this project is "focused on improving the Philippine response to Covid-19 in the areas of medical waste management."
"The project will facilitate provision of technical support and training of healthcare professionals on healthcare management. Several equipment, which will be distributed to hospitals and facilities, have been donated to the Philippine government," it said.
This project also emphasizes the importance of effective medical waste management as it is an " essential public health service."
"As we continue to progress towards a post-Covid society, the importance placed on healthcare waste management must be maintained," said DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire.
"Hence, it is in our best interest to scale up the establishment of a healthcare waste management process and continue building up on the progress this project has achieved," she added.
Vergeire also thanked the UNDP and the Chinese government for providing assistance for this matter.
"Once again, I extend our sincerest commendations to UNDP and the Government of China for mobilizing assistance in strengthening our response to the most challenging public health event of the century," she said.
"Your support during this unprecedented time truly reflects the spirit “bayanihan” - a fundamental aspect of Filipino culture that means working together and ensuring community efficacy towards a common goal. We hope that by continuing to forge our partnerships, the work towards a Healthy Pilipinas progresses as well," she added.