Only 5% of Nigerian healthcare facilities meet the basic standard for managing medical waste, according to a new WHO/UNICEF assessment. This critical shortfall means 19 out of every 20 facilities do not safely handle used needles and infectious materials.
This alarming finding highlights significant public health risks in Africa's most populous nation. The lack of proper waste management can spread diseases and endanger both patients and healthcare workers. The assessment covered various essential services, revealing broader systemic issues.
This situation reflects a common challenge across many developing economies, including Ghana, where healthcare infrastructure often struggles with adequate funding and oversight. Such deficiencies can strain public health systems and increase the burden of preventable diseases. Ghana has also faced scrutiny over its healthcare waste management practices in the past.
The WHO/UNICEF report, titled “Progress on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Environmental Cleaning and Waste Management in Health Care Facilities 2015–2025,” detailed these findings. It emphasized that a simple bin for medical waste is insufficient to meet basic standards. Facilities must safely segregate waste into at least three bins and properly treat infectious materials.
The implications are severe for public health and safety. Unsafe medical waste disposal can lead to outbreaks of infectious diseases and environmental contamination. Decision-makers must prioritize investment in healthcare infrastructure and strict adherence to international standards. This will protect communities and ensure safer healthcare environments.
Beyond waste management, the report identified other critical gaps within Nigerian health facilities. Only 29% of facilities met the basic sanitation standard in 2025. This means seven out of every 10 facilities lacked adequate toilets, including those for staff or people with disabilities. This figure is above sub-Saharan Africa's 23% but below the global 40%.
Water access also remains a major concern. Just 55% of Nigerian healthcare facilities had basic water services in 2025. This means more than one in 10 facilities had no water service at all. Water is crucial for handwashing, cleaning, and infection prevention, making this a significant barrier to quality care.
Furthermore, basic hygiene standards were met by only 27% of Nigerian health facilities. Nearly three in every four facilities failed to provide functional hand-hygiene facilities at points of care. This includes ensuring water and soap are available at toilets, a fundamental requirement for preventing infections.
These figures collectively paint a picture of a healthcare system under immense pressure. Nigeria's 5% basic waste management coverage is significantly lower than sub-Saharan Africa's 24% and the global 71%. The country's 27% basic hygiene coverage also falls below the regional average of 34%.
While some lower estimates might reflect improved data collection, the overall trend indicates a pressing need for action. Governments and international partners must collaborate to upgrade facilities and implement robust waste management and hygiene protocols. This is essential for safeguarding the health of millions of Nigerians.