Health Groups Call for Urgent Action to Address Health Risks From Coal and Coal Seam Gas

A new collaborative network of health organizations - including HCWH Partner Organization, the Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA), and other national health organizations such as the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA), the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA), National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA), Climate Change Health Research Network (NCCARF-ARN), among others - has agreed to joint action to raise awareness of the adverse health effects of Australia's current minerals and energy policy at a meeting in Canberra, particularly those relating to coal and coal seam gas. more 

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 

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 

Mongolia | 14 Hospitals Go Mercury Free

Excerpt: "Led by the National Public Center’s Toxicology Laboratory, a survey on mercury use and contamination was carried out in 16 tertiary and secondary hospitals in Ulaanbaatar. As a result, 14 hospitals were announced mercury-free and received a Certificate from Mongolia's Vice Minister of Health."  more 

Sri Lanka Health Ministry to Remove Mercury-containing Medical Equipment From Hospitals

Excerpt: "Sri Lanka Ministry of Health has decided to remove all mercury-containing equipment from use in hospitals to minimize the environmental exposure to mercury in accordance with the global guidelines."  more 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

Medical Waste and Human Rights

HCWH released its own report on medical waste and human rights, which HCWH staff, with the assistance of network members and waste management experts across Africa, South Asia and Latin America, assembled. more