Community of Practices for Strengthening Medical Waste Management System in Bangladesh

Nature: Hybrid (Face-to-face and/or virtual)

1.0  Background

This Community of Practice is structured to implement best practices in biohazardous waste management in Bangladesh in all facilities generating such waste. The ultimate goal of initiating this CoP is to control spread of infectious diseases due to improper management and at the same time to transform waste to asset, to the extent possible, moving towards a green world. This group of individuals will share a common interest in improving practices related to the handling, disposal, and management of medical waste. 

Here are the key components and formation steps:

2.0  Vision

Best practices in sustainable management of biohazardous waste is Established in Bangladesh.

3.0  Mission

Initiate and sustain activities to establish best practices in medical waste management in Bangladesh.

4.0  Goal

This community of Practice for Strengthening Medical Waste Management (CoPSMWM) will focus on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of best practices to enhance biosafety, biosecurity and compliance in healthcare waste management.

5.0  Core Elements

5.1   Domain: This CoPSMWM will encompass animal health, aquatic health, environmental health, and the human health sectors generating biohazardous waste contributing to transmission infectious among human and animals and the environment a sustained reservoir.

5.2   Community: this is a group of trained individuals in the field of biohazardous waste management and professionally engage in that area. This community includes trained and knowledgeable individuals interested to contribute in that area, respective regulators, policy makers, implementing partners are the integral part of this community.

5.3   Practice: The body of knowledge, methods, and tools that members develop and share over time.

6.0  Key Features

6.1   Shared Knowledge: Members exchange information, experiences, and strategies to address challenges in medical waste management.

6.2   Best Practices: The community develops and promotes guidelines and standards for effective waste management.

6.3   Training and Education: It often provides training resources to ensure that all members are informed about regulations and safe practices.

6.4   Networking Opportunities: Members can connect with professionals from various sectors, including healthcare, environmental services, and regulatory bodies, fostering collaboration and innovation.

7.0  Guidelines

Create norms and rules for participation and engagement.

8.0  Roles and responsibilities in CoP

8.1   Chair/Joint-Chair: S/he plays a crucial role in guiding and facilitating the group's activities. The chair leads meetings, sets agendas, and ensures that discussions remain productive and focused on the community's goals. Acts as a liaison between members, fostering communication and encouraging participation to maintain engagement within the community. The chair helps define the vision and objectives of the CoP, aligning activities with the broader goals of the forum or field. S/he may also oversee the allocation of resources, such as funding or materials, to support the community's initiatives and projects.

8.2   Animal Health (AH)Coordinator (AHC): AHC supports the chair to define the vision and objectives under the AH sector of the CoP and supporting the chair for aligning activities with the broader goals of AH sector. S/he may ensure the allocation of necessary resources or materials, to support the community's initiatives and projects.

8.3   Aquatic Health (AqH) Coordinator (AqHC): AqHC supports the chair to define the vision and objectives under the AqH sector of the CoP and supporting the chair for aligning activities with the broader goals of AqH sector. S/he may ensure the allocation of necessary resources or materials, to support the community's initiatives and projects.

8.4   Environmental Health (EH) Coordinator (EHC): EHC supports the chair to define the vision and objectives under the EH sector of the CoP and supporting the chair for aligning activities with the broader goals of EH sector. S/he may ensure the allocation of necessary resources or materials, to support the community's initiatives and projects.

8.5   Human Health (HH) Coordinator (HHC): HHC supports the chair to define the vision and objectives under the HH sector of the CoP and supporting the chair for aligning activities with the broader goals of HH sector. S/he may ensure the allocation of necessary resources or materials, to support the community's initiatives and projects.

8.6   Facilitator(s): A facilitator stimulates participation and value for members in an event. Each section coordinator or individuals selected by the respective section coordinator, based on the experience/eloquence in the respective sector, will be chosen as the facilitator for each program.

8.7   Contributors: All the members and interested experts in the field of MWM are the qualified contributors for the CoP. They will add content in the form of discussions and materials that advance the mission of the CoP.

8.8   Program Manager (PM): S/he will view and disseminate content beyond the CoP but do not contribute content. PM will be responsible for supporting administering the entire virtual of face-to-face program.  

8.9   Administrator: Manages the technical and administrative aspects of the community and overall responsible for program administration.

9.0  Sustaining the CoP

9.1   Encouragement: Encourage ongoing participation and contribution.

9.2   Assessment: Regularly assess the community’s relevance and adapt as needed.

9.3   Engagement and motivation: Share successes and learnings to maintain engagement and motivation.