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Pharmaceutical Waste Management

Pharmaceutical products are essential for saving lives and alleviating suffering. However, expired and unused medications pose significant health, safety, and environmental risks at the community level. 

Introduction

Improper disposal can reduce drug efficacy, treatment failures, and potential toxicity due to chemical degradation. Additionally, the misuse of expired antibiotics contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

In terms of safety, accidental poisoning—particularly among children and pets—and the risk of misuse or abuse of expired medications are major concerns. Environmentally, improper disposal contaminates water and soil, threatening ecosystems and food safety. These risks highlight the urgent need for proper disposal programs, community education, and effective regulatory measures.

Despite efforts to address this issue, Tanzania currently lacks a national policy and guidelines for managing household pharmaceutical waste. Studies show that the majority of households retain unused medications, increasing the likelihood of improper disposal. A 2021 study by Marwa et al. found that 96% of surveyed households in Mwanza stored unused medications instead of disposing of them properly.

The Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) has taken steps to enhance recall operations and ensure the safe disposal of unfit medicinal products. However, household pharmaceutical waste management remains a gap that requires urgent attention.

The HPWMI Project

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the EANNASO, with support from GFA Consulting Group and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, is implementing the Household Pharmaceutical Waste Management Initiative (HPWMI) in Arusha City.

This project aims to:

Project
Objectives:

Conduct a study on household pharmaceutical waste management practices in Arusha.
Conduct a study on household pharmaceutical waste management practices in Arusha.
Create awareness through information dissemination on proper pharmaceutical waste disposal methods.
Create awareness through information dissemination on proper pharmaceutical waste disposal methods.
Implement community sensitization campaigns and advocate for policy reforms at the regional and national levels.
Implement community sensitization campaigns and advocate for policy reforms at the regional and national levels.

Expected Outcomes

Impact

Join Us

By addressing these critical issues, HPWMI seeks to safeguard public health and environmental safety, fostering a more sustainable and health-conscious community in Arusha and beyond. Join us in creating a safer and healthier future! Learn more about HPWMI and how you can be part of the solution.

Pharmaceutical Waste Management

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Pharmaceutical Assessment Report-Arusha City

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Date added: 09-04-2025

The HPWMI Project

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the EANNASO, with support from GFA Consulting Group and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, is implementing the Household Pharmaceutical Waste Management Initiative (HPWMI) in Arusha City.

Project Aims:

  • Identify gaps in household pharmaceutical waste management.
  • Raise awareness about the hazards of improper pharmaceutical waste disposal.
  • Develop actionable plans and recommendations to improve household pharmaceutical waste management.
  • Project Objectives:

  • Conduct a study on household pharmaceutical waste management practices in Arusha.
  • Create awareness through information dissemination on proper pharmaceutical waste disposal methods.
  • Implement community sensitization campaigns and advocate for policy reforms at the regional and national levels.
  • Expected Outcomes:

    Increased awareness of proper pharmaceutical waste disposal at household, community, and health facility levels. Households adopting and practicing safe pharmaceutical waste disposal methods. Strengthened household capacity for pharmaceutical waste management.

    Impact::

    Improved public health in Tanzania through safer pharmaceutical waste disposal. Enhanced awareness of proper pharmaceutical waste management practices. National-level policy discussions and potential reforms to establish strategies for managing pharmaceutical waste effectively.

    Join Us:

    By addressing these critical issues, HPWMI seeks to safeguard public health and environmental safety, fostering a more sustainable and health-conscious community in Arusha and beyond. Join us in creating a safer and healthier future! Learn more about HPWMI and how you can be part of the solution.