O papel da educação ambiental na gestão dos resíduos hospitalares no Centro de Saúde 1° de Maio – cidade de Maputo

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the process of hospital waste (HW) management at Centro de Saúde 1o de Maio, with a special focus on the role of Environmental Education (EE) in this context. Through methods such as interviews, observations and questionnaires, the study reveals that the health center adopts organized practices for HR management, including the separation of waste into five distinct categories. However, challenges were observed, such as the presence of common waste clustered on the premises, indicating gaps in the effective segregation and management of waste. EE actions, such as lectures and educational programs, have been implemented to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and users about the importance of proper waste management. However, there is room to diversify these strategies and promote greater staff and community engagement, aiming for a more sustainable organizational culture. The results also highlight the interviewees' positive perception of the impact of EE on HR management, highlighting its relevance in reducing accidents at work and promoting a clean and safe environment. The effective integration of EE can induce significant behavioral changes among health professionals and users, fostering a culture of sustainability. Given these findings, measures are recommended to improve the segregation and management of HR, regularly train staff on best practices and promote awareness campaigns for the local community. Diversifying environmental education strategies is key to reaching a wider audience and strengthening sustainability in hospital waste management