Funded by the government of Japan and implemented by UNOPS in partnership with Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Child Care, modern medical waste incinerators at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, United Bulawayo Hospitals and Masvingo Provincial Hospital have officially been commissioned.

UNOPS procured and installed the incinerators as well as provided technical oversight, working in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and participating hospitals as part of the Zimbabwe Medical Waste Management project.

"The installation of these modern medical incinerators, incorporating Japanese latest technologies, will greatly enhance the capacity of these hospitals to safely and efficiently manage medical waste," said H.E. Ambassador Nobutaka Maekawa.

The incinerators will also support infection prevention and control, protect healthcare workers and surrounding communities, and reduce risks associated with open burning and outdated disposal methods.

Featuring smokeless and anti-pollution technology, the incinerator can process up to 187 kilograms of medical waste per hour.

"This investment strengthens Zimbabwe’s national capacity to manage healthcare waste in line with international standards while protecting both public health and the environment," said Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Timios Kwidini.

More than 90 hospital personnel across the three sites also received training on the safe operation and maintenance of the incinerators. The Ministry of Health and Child Care, together with the participating hospitals, will oversee their continued operation.

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