Importants défis dans la gestion des déchets biomédicaux dans les formations sanitaires privées de la zone sanitaire Abomey Calavi Sô-ava au Bénin en 2025

Abstract

Biomedical waste (BMW) management represents a major public health and environmental challenge, particularly in low-resource settings. This study aimed to assess the quality of biomedical waste management in private health facilities in the Abomey-Calavi Sô-Ava health zone, Benin, in 2025. A cross-sectional evaluative study was conducted from March 17 to April 15, 2025, including 62 private health facilities (26.05% of authorized facilities). The evaluation was based on Donabedian’s structure-process-outcome framework using a scoring grid adapted from Varkevisser’s scale. Overall quality was rated as poor, with a compliance rate of 11.11%. The structure component reached 32.89% compliance, reflecting financial, material and documentary shortcomings. The process component scored 39.28%, characterised by relatively adequate source segregation but a complete absence of waste quantification and limited comprehensive staff training. The outcome component revealed major non-compliance, particularly regarding storage time limits and quantitative monitoring. These deficiencies expose healthcare workers and the environment to persistent risks. A systemic reform involving strengthened capacity building, dedicated funding, structured supervision and rigorous monitoring is urgently required.