AMELIORATE – heAvy MEtaL and antImicrObial Resistance exposure through wAsTe in kEnya

project summary

Kenya is taking important steps to create a cleaner and healthier environment by implementing circular economy principles, which focus on reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling resources. One of the key actions in this effort is the Sustainable Waste Management Act (SWMA), which sets up the rules and systems for managing waste in a way that is good for both people and the planet. This work is part of a partnership between Kenya and Denmark, with the goal of improving Kenya’s waste management thus protecting its environment, people and animals.
A crucial part of this project is understanding and addressing the health risks posed by open dumpsites, which are common in Kenya. Many people in the country rely on these dumpsites to find materials they can sell or use, but the sites can have dangerous substances that can harm their health. We need to know more about how people are exposed to these health hazards so that we can take steps to protect them. Research into these risks will help us develop better waste management practices and educate communities on how to dispose of waste safely. By doing this, we will not only make Kenya cleaner but also healthier, supporting global goals for good health and clean water.
Another significant concern in Kenya is the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR happens when bacteria become resistant to the antibiotics used to treat infections, making it harder to cure diseases and leading to more deaths. In the WHO African region, over 1 million deaths each year are linked to bacterial AMR, which is more than the deaths caused by HIV/AIDS and malaria combined. Another health problem related to dumpsites is chemicals like heavy metals, that can accumulate in the human body and cause disease.
In Kenya, the connection between poor waste management and the spread of AMR and the accumulation of heavy metals is not well understood yet. Waste from dumpsites can contaminate water sources, spreading harmful bacteria and heavy metals. This project aims to integrate AMR and heavy metals’ monitoring and control into Kenya’s waste management policies. Through research, policy support, and community engagement we can reduce the spread of AMR and heavy metals and protect public health, animal health and the environment for future generations.