Kwara State Government has recorded another major milestone with the commissioning and handover of what is described as Nigeria’s first high-capacity medical waste incinerator dedicated to primary healthcare facilities.
The landmark project, which was commissioned and officially handed over on Friday through the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project to the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA) at the Primary Health Care Centre, Oke-Oyi, Ilorin, is expected to revolutionize medical waste management, enhance environmental safety, and improve the quality of healthcare service delivery across Kwara State.
The IMPACT Project is a strategic health intervention designed to strengthen primary healthcare systems through improved immunization services, malaria control, maternal and child healthcare, health systems strengthening, and other critical investments aimed at improving health outcomes and expanding access to quality healthcare services.
The Incinerator House at Primary Health Care Center Oke Oyi, Ilorin East Local Government.
In Kwara State, the project has supported several interventions that have significantly strengthened the capacity of primary healthcare facilities and enhanced service delivery across the state.
The ultra-modern incinerator, constructed by Prezzo Shed Nigeria Limited with support from the IMPACT Project, is the first of its kind in Nigeria in terms of size, capacity, and operational capability. It is expected to serve as a central facility for the safe disposal of medical waste generated by primary healthcare facilities across the state.
Speaking during the commissioning and handover ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the KWSPHCDA, Professor Nusirat Elelu, expressed profound appreciation to the IMPACT Project for yet another landmark intervention aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare system.
Professor Elelu noted that the Agency has continued to benefit immensely from the numerous interventions of the IMPACT Project, adding that the provision of the modern incinerator further demonstrates the project’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery through sustainable investments.
She explained that effective medical waste management is an essential component of quality healthcare delivery, noting that the facility will not only promote a cleaner and safer healthcare environment but also protect health workers, patients, and surrounding communities from the dangers associated with the improper disposal of infectious waste.
The Executive Secretary assured that the Agency would ensure the judicious use and proper maintenance of the facility while calling on the host community to take ownership by protecting the incinerator against vandalism and ensuring its sustainability.
She reiterated that the Kwara State Government remains committed to strengthening the primary healthcare system through strategic investments and policies that continue to improve the quality of healthcare services and the well-being of the people.
Earlier in his remarks, the State Project Manager of the IMPACT Project, Dr. Michael Oguntoye, applauded the longstanding partnership between the IMPACT Project and the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, describing it as one that has consistently delivered tangible results across the state’s primary healthcare system.
He stated that the construction of the modern incinerator reflects the project’s commitment to supporting sustainable healthcare interventions beyond routine service delivery, noting that efficient healthcare waste management is critical to infection prevention, environmental protection, and the overall quality of healthcare services.
Dr. Oguntoye disclosed that the facility is the first of its kind in Nigeria because of its size, capacity, and operational capability, adding that it is designed to safely and efficiently handle large volumes of medical waste generated by health facilities.
According to him, the availability of such a facility will significantly reduce the risks associated with the indiscriminate disposal of healthcare waste, safeguard public health, protect the environment, and ensure that healthcare facilities comply with globally accepted standards for medical waste management.
He appreciated the unwavering support and cooperation of the Agency’s management throughout the implementation of the project and expressed confidence that the facility would be properly utilized and maintained for maximum impact.
Also speaking, the General Manager of Prezzo Shed Nigeria Limited, Mr. Albert Anusi, formally handed over the facility to the Agency and described the incinerator as a unique installation that comes with enormous responsibility.
He urged both the Agency and the host community to take ownership of the facility by ensuring its proper maintenance, security, and sustainability, while assuring the Agency of the company’s readiness for future collaboration and technical support whenever required.
In their separate goodwill messages, representatives of UNICEF and AFENET described the commissioning of the incinerator as a timely and significant intervention, stressing that the safe disposal of medical waste remains a critical component of quality healthcare delivery.
They noted that the improper disposal of healthcare waste poses serious health and environmental risks to patients, healthcare workers, and surrounding communities, and commended the Kwara State Government and the IMPACT Project for investing in a facility that will promote safer healthcare practices.
The Incinerator
The representatives also reaffirmed the commitment of UNICEF and AFENET to continue providing technical assistance and other necessary support toward strengthening primary healthcare delivery and improving health outcomes in Kwara State.
Speaking on behalf of the Oke Oyi community, the Chairman of the Ward Development Committee, Alhaji Hussein Olarewaju Elemosho, expressed appreciation to the Kwara State Government and the IMPACT Project for bringing the landmark facility to the community.
He described the incinerator as a monumental achievement that will not only improve healthcare waste management but also benefit the entire state. He assured that the community would take ownership of the facility by ensuring its proper care, protection, and security to guarantee its sustainability.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the management staff of the Agency, representatives of development partners, community leaders, and other key stakeholders in the health sector.
