$134 Million Initiative Launched to Phase Out Mercury-Containing Medical Devices
By CCN News | Published: May 14, 2024
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Albania, Burkina Faso, India, Montenegro, and Uganda have joined together to combat mercury pollution from the healthcare sector with the launch of a $134 million initiative.
Mercury, a hazardous substance detrimental to both human health and the environment, has long been used in medical devices such as thermometers and blood pressure monitors.
While these devices are safe during use, they pose significant risks once broken or discarded, releasing mercury vapors that can harm healthcare workers, patients, and the environment. Inhalation of mercury vapor can cause damage to the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system, while its presence in waste can contaminate surroundings and water systems.
The initiative, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), will be implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO). Its primary goal is to phase out the use of mercury-containing thermometers and sphygmomanometers across these countries' healthcare facilities. This effort includes halting the import, export, and manufacture of such devices, promoting the adoption of accurate and safe mercury-free alternatives, and enhancing the management of mercury waste from medical facilities.
Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division, emphasized the project's broader impact on environmental and public health, underscoring its alignment with global initiatives like the Minamata Convention on Mercury and WHO guidelines. The initiative aims to educate procurement officers and manufacturers on the benefits of alternative digital thermometers, which not only offer comparable clinical accuracy but also prove to be more cost-effective over their lifecycle.
Dr. Anta Zida, Director of Public Hygiene at Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, stressed the project's significance in meeting international obligations and improving healthcare sustainability. Dr. Maria Neira, Director of Climate Change, Environment, and Health at WHO, highlighted the healthcare sector's pivotal role in advancing public health and environmental stewardship.
Over a five-year period, the project targets a 20 percent annual reduction in mercury-based medical devices, aiming to mitigate over 23,350 kilograms of potential mercury spills and enhance the lives of more than 1.8 million people affected by improved healthcare practices and environmental protection measures.
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