October 25th, 2023, the Center for Heallth Environment Research and Development (CHERAD) had the opportunity to introduce the “Developing a Circular Economy Model in Medical Plastic Waste Management” Initiative under the Reducing Pollution Project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with a high-level delegation of the Consulate General of the United States, Australia and Japan during their visit and working session with Can Tho University.
Image credit: Can Tho University.
At the event, CHERAD representative has introduced the “Developing a Circular Economy Model in Medical Plastic Waste Management” Initiative, to be implemented from 2022 – 2025. To date, the Initiative has completed an initial survey at hospitals on the current status of medical plastic waste management and signed a cooperation agreement with 3 hospitals in Can Tho, Phu Tho and Quang Ninhto build and apply a circular economy model, support hospitals in implementing sustainable management of medical plastic waste, increase reuse and recycling of plastic waste, minimize plastic waste emissions into the environment.
Particularly, in September 2023, CHERAD and Can Tho Central General Hospital, the first of the four hospitals participating in the pilot, agreed on a model for pilot implementation. According to the plan, CHERAD will support hospitals in applying the circular economy model in medical plastic waste management, including seven main steps: (1) Green production; (2) Green procurement; (3) Responsible use; (4) Separate classification and collection of plastic waste; (5) Disinfection treatment (for infectious plastic waste); (6) Waste recycling; and (7) Recirculation into the economic cycle.
The visit and working visit with Can Tho University is within the framework of the visits of the Consulate General and defense attachés of the United States, Australia and Japan to emphasize the countries’ common commitment to support the sustainable development of the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam in particular and the Indo-Pacific in general. This is a great opportunity for the Initiative and projects to support sustainable development in the region, attracting the attention of Strategic Partner countries with Vietnam as well as the media, thereby contributing to spreading awareness to the domestic and international community. The event also helps the Initiative strengthen connections with domestic and international partners towards the goal of successfully and sustainably applying the Initiative’s model.
Quang Huy