Finland and Vietnam: Introducing Circular Economy Practices in Medical Waste Management Poses Challenges

Playing and learning are often seen as a dichotomy. Even today, many parents still ask, 'Why are you playing games instead of studying?'.

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities generate significant amounts of waste, much of which is challenging to manage due to its potentially infectious or toxic nature. While single-use plastics are being phased-out in many households, their reduction in healthcare settings poses a greater challenge as they are often viewed as the safest or most convenient solution.

When humanitarian organizations respond to disasters, such as the recent Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam, they must rapidly deploy staff and materials to the affected areas. In these events, medical products are particularly crucial, and given the urgency, the aftermath of these operations, including the disposal of used materials is often overlooked.

Olympians have shown us the way; now we must carry the mental health advocacy torch.