Today marks a significant milestone in the global fight against chemical pollution as the governments of Albania, Burkina Faso, India, Montenegro, and Uganda join forces to launch a $134-million project aimed at eliminating the use of mercury in medical devices.
THE HAZARD OF MERCURY IN HEALTHCARE
Mercury, a toxic metal used in medical devices for centuries, poses a severe threat to human health and the environment. While medical thermometers and sphygmomanometers are indispensable in healthcare settings, their mercury content becomes hazardous when these devices break or are discarded.
ADDRESSING HEALTH RISKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The project, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with execution by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to phase out mercury-containing thermometers and sphygmomanometers. By developing and implementing nationwide strategies, the initiative seeks to prevent the import, export, and manufacture of these devices, while promoting the adoption of accurate, affordable, and safe mercury-free alternatives.
IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE PRACTICES
Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division, emphasizes the significance of the initiative in the context of One Health, highlighting its role in protecting both human well-being and the environment. By aligning with WHO recommendations and the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the project aims to educate procurement officers, manufacturers, and the public on the efficacy and benefits of alternative devices.
ECONOMIC AND CLINICAL ADVANTAGES OF MERCURY-FREE ALTERNATIVES
While certain digital thermometers offer comparable clinical accuracy to their mercury counterparts, they can be up to one-third cheaper over their entire lifecycle. This cost-effectiveness, coupled with environmental benefits, makes the transition to mercury-free alternatives a compelling choice for healthcare systems worldwide.
ENHANCING PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Dr. Anta Zida, Director of Public Hygiene at Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, underscores the importance of aligning healthcare practices with international obligations. By eliminating mercury-containing medical devices, countries can safeguard public health and contribute to environmental conservation.
A STEP TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Dr. Maria Neira, Director of Climate Change, Environment, and Health at WHO, emphasizes the pivotal role of the healthcare sector in promoting sustainability. Through the phased elimination of mercury-added devices, the project aims to reduce spillages, improve the lives of over 1.8 million people, and pave the way for a healthier, greener future.