The opportunity in Africa's healthcare waste management gap

From the newsletter

As African health systems seek to strengthen essential services, gaps in healthcare waste management represent both an environmental challenge and a circular economy opportunity. Only 24% of healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan Africa had basic waste-management services in 2025, compared with 71% globally, highlighting the demand for solutions across the region. 

• The WHO/UNICEF's latest report on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in health facilities emphasises the need to strengthen waste management, with WHO guidance supporting approaches aligned with circular-economy principles. 

• For businesses, the gap creates opportunities across collection, treatment, recycling and resource recovery as health facilities seek to meet environmental requirements while managing waste-related costs.