Throwing Away Our Health
The impacts of solid waste on human health: evidence, knowledge gaps, and health sector response
Role: Lead Author & Researcher (with RWA Group)
Country: Global scope
Publication link: Throwing Away Our Health (coming soon)
The Objective
WHO set out to highlight how poor waste management is not just an environmental issue but a global public health threat. The goal of the report was to consolidate evidence, identify exposure pathways, and provide guidance for governments and health sectors to address waste as a health priority.
The Approach
Led the research and authored the first WHO publication that discusses the links between poor waste management and adverse health outcomes
Synthesised global evidence on health risks from mismanaged waste
Analysed exposure pathways: air pollution, leachate, open burning, vector-borne disease
Framed solutions through the waste hierarchy and circular economy
Integrated case studies showing how better systems reduce disease risk
Bridged waste and health sectors with a product accessible to policymakers and practitioners
The Impact
Established waste as a core global health priority.
Provided policy guidance on prevention, healthcare waste, occupational safety, and informal sector inclusion.
