The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology has officially partnered with the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) to establish a specialized facility in Addu City for the safe management and disposal of cytotoxic waste.

The agreement was signed during a special ceremony today, marking a significant step in the Maldives’ efforts to manage hazardous healthcare waste. According to the Ministry, the new facility will provide a comprehensive solution for disposing of toxic waste generated from chemotherapy treatments, which has previously posed logistical and safety challenges.

Beyond improving medical waste protocols, the facility is expected to enhance safety for healthcare professionals, waste management staff, and the general public. It also aims to protect the Maldives’ fragile environment from the potential hazards associated with the improper handling of cytotoxic materials.

This initiative is part of the project titled ‘Review and Update of the National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in Maldives.’ The project is being carried out with financial assistance from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).