By Abraham K. Kollie, kollieabraham23@gmail.com
KAKATA, Liberia- As part of the efforts to improve Hygienic conditions at various Healthcare facilities in Margibi County and its environs, the County Health Team through the Ministry of Health in partnership with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has dedicated new Incinerators and other waste management facilities.
They include flush latrines, Ash pits, and placenta pits at four health facilities across the Country.
Addressing Reporters recently, Margibi County Health Officer, Dr. Siana Jackson stressed that the dedication of the facilities was aimed at improving waste management and ultimately promoting cleaner healthcare facilities for both patients and healthcare workers.
Over the years, there has been a continued cry from citizens across Margibi for what they term as “environmental pollution” at various Healthcare facilities in several Communities.
Dr. Jackson furthered that the introduction of incinerators at those health facilities is essential and will enable the safe disposal of medical waste by burning it to ashes after being used by health workers, while the installation of flush latrines will contribute to better sanitation for patients and staff.
The Margibi County Health Officer emphasized that the placenta pits will ensure the proper disposal of remaining waste products, reducing the risk of contamination and infection at health facilities in Margibi and its environs.
Health Facilities benefiting from the USAID project including Cinta, Gbaye Ta, Tucker Ta, and Schiefflin town clinics respectively.
Dr. Jackson Lauded USAID for the continuous support to the County Health Team and expressed her satisfaction with the new waste management systems.
She also stressed the need for continuous monitoring and maintenance to ensure the effectiveness of the new facilities.
“On behalf of the Margibi County Health Team, we want to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to our Partners, especially USAID for supporting our local Healthcare Facilities in Margibi. This has been a continuous cry from our people and today hope has been restored, we will continue to work in the interest of our people to ensure that quality Health Services are provided with the help of our partners,” Dr. Jackson added.
Meanwhile, the Officer-In-Charge (OIC) at the Cinta clinic, Nacty Suclie, stressed the need for quality Healthcare services adding that patients and Health workers were using staff bathrooms and Bushes to dispose of waste, causing serious problems for the facility and Community dwellers.
She noted that patients in various Health facilities were joyful when the official turnover was done.
The OIC also called on USAID to continue supporting the health system of Liberia adding that the Liberian government can’t do it alone.
“At least we are now seeing so level of progress and transparency in the County, especially the health sector as compared to the administration, all I want to say is to express my thanks and appreciation for our partners for providing support to our healthcare system as we ask for continuous support,” she noted.