A Survey on Medical Waste Management Practices in Government Healthcare Facilities in Hodeidah City, Yemen

Abstract

 Hodeidah City, the main port on Yemen’s western coast, is under severe healthcare strain owing to ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises. Government hospitals operate under pressure with limited data on healthcare workers' adherence to medical precautions. This study aims to explore awareness and safety practices. It uses descriptive and analytical methods to assess healthcare workers’ compliance with medical waste management guidelines, identify knowledge and practice gaps, and evaluate institutional adherence to national and international regulations. Data were gathered through a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire that was administered to 333 healthcare workers in ten medical institutions in Hodeidah City from January 2022 until January 2023. The present study highlights major gaps in medical waste management and the protection of cleanliness workers in healthcare settings. While medical staff generally follow waste segregation protocols within structured systems, cleanliness workers face challenges such as poor training, limited supervision, inadequate protective gear, and vaccination. Issues such as torn waste bags and lack of medical checkups further expose systemic vulnerabilities. Despite this, many clean workers reported high job satisfaction, reflecting resilience and dedication. To improve safety, healthcare facilities must strengthen their oversight, provide consistent protective equipment, and offer regular health assessments and targeted training. These steps are essential for safeguarding workers, the public, and the environment and for building a more resilient healthcare system in Yemen.