Poisonous time bomb: Iraq's struggle with medical wastes

Shafaq News
Jan 29, 2025

Poisonous time bomb: Iraq's struggle with medical wastes


Iraq is facing a critical issue with the improper management of its medical waste, posing serious health risks and environmental threats. The failure to address this problem has led to a growing public concern and has worsened the health of communities across the country.

According to the World Health Organization’s 2023 report on health system challenges in Iraq, the country's medical waste management remains inadequate, largely due to limited resources, political instability, and an overburdened healthcare system.

Abu Ghraib Hospital: A Health Crisis

One glaring example of Iraq's struggles with medical waste management is Abu Ghraib General Hospital, located west of Baghdad. This hospital, like many others in Iraq, has adopted a dangerous and environmentally hazardous practice of burning medical waste in open pits. The burning takes place in the heart of a residential neighborhood, directly affecting local communities.