Global Projects
Health Care Without Harm: Leading the global movement for environmentally responsible health care

HCWH is engaged in a series of global initiatives, including collaboration with the WHO to subsitute mercury-based medical devices, and another to address the health sector's climate footprint. We are engaged in an eight country GEF project led by UNDP. We work with Strategic Partner organizations in areas where we have no office, and collaborate with our members around the world. more

HCWH News

February 4, 2013
Health Care Without Harm | Video

Video | Bir Hospital Transforms its Healthcare Waste Management

Since 2010, Health Care Foundation Nepal (HECAF) and Health Care Without Harm, supported by the World Health Organisation, have been working with the leadership and staff of Bir Hospital to transform their healthcare waste management. more 
January 19, 2013
Health Care Without Harm Press Release

World's Governments Agree to Mercury-Free Healthcare in 2020

The world’s governments have finalized text for a global legally binding treaty on mercury, the bio-accumulative heavy metal that is poisoning the world’s fish supply, threatening public health and the environment. Among other measures, the treaty text mandates an end to the manufacture, import and export of mercury thermometers and blood pressure devices (sphygmomanometers) by 2020. more 

Environmental Health News

January 16, 2013, The Himalayan Times

Government Warns Hospitals to Strictly Manage Waste

Excerpt: "Kathmandu government has warned that it would shut hospitals failing to set up waste treatment plant in accordance with the existing laws."  more 
December 7, 2012, 

The Greatest Threat to Public Health

Excerpt: "HCWH partner organization, groundWork, staffer Rico Euripidou discusses the impacts of climate change on health. He examines the local and global health impacts of burning coal for energy production in South Africa. More: to update link / article on hcwh web."  more 

Reports and Publications

November 1, 2012
Health Care Without Harm

Mercury Treaty and Medical Devices: Fact Sheet

As regional meetings begin in preparation for the final negotiating session of the global mercury treaty in January, HCWH has produced a fact sheet that makes the case for a treaty that mandates a rapid global phase-out of mercury thermometers and blood pressure devices. more 
June 13, 2012

Mercury in Dental Amalgam and Resin-Based Alternatives: A Comparative Health Risk Evaluation

Based on current evidence,the ultimate goal of a phase-out of virtually all usage of dental mercury is recommended. This phase-out must be planned and deliberate, assuring continued emphasis on adequate restorations to prevent continued tooth decay and the potential of malnutrition in economically impoverished areas. more 
October 22, 2011

WHO-HCWH Mercury-Free Update for INC3

WHO and HCWH have produced an update on the Global Mercury-Free Healthcare Initiative that charts progress toward the goal of virtual elimination and substitution of mercury thermometers and blood pressure devices around the world by 2017. more 
October 13, 2011

Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Agenda

The Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Agenda sets out to support existing efforts around the world to promote greater sustainability and environmental health in the health sector, and thereby to strengthen health systems globally. more 
 
take action
Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Agenda
Download Report:  Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Agenda: A Comprehensive Environmental Health Agenda for Hospitals and Health Systems Around the World  (pdf)
Medical Waste and Human Rights
Download: Medical Waste and Human Rights: Submission to the U.N. Human Rights Council (pdf)
Download: Appendix of the Human Rights Report: Country Case Studies and Snapshots (pdf)
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