Albania and Montenegro have finalized national inventories of all mercury-containing medical devices in a step towards phasing out their use in health care. The inventories include mercury-containing thermometers and sphygmomanometers (devices to measure blood pressure), and cover devices in use, in storage and no longer in use. This is part of a 5-year Global Environment Facility project by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which is executed by the WHO.
Harmless when intact, if these devices break, the mercury they contain can be released creating risks to health-care workers and patients and broader health risks through environmental pollution. When inhaled, mercury can impact the respiratory system, kidneys and nervous system.
The elimination of these devices requires legislation to transform procurement and supply chains and introduce alternatives. It also requires action in the health sector, including training medical staff and waste operators in the safe management of mercury waste and building awareness of the issue among the public.
WHO/Europe provides technical assistance to Albania and Montenegro and coordinates activities at the regional level, supporting the project’s multisectoral approach and providing advice related to the Minamata Convention on Mercury – a global agreement that aims to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury and its compounds.
Country progress
In Albania, following the identification of pilot health-care facilities, the demonstration of the replacement of mercury-containing medical devices with alternative ones is ongoing. A targeted survey involving approximately 7000 health-care professionals helped identify knowledge gaps, training needs, the need for awareness raising and the promotion of best practice. The significant quantity of devices involved is expected to lead to a reduction in the potential human exposure to mercury and environmental pollution.
In Montenegro, representatives from pilot health centres participated in training sessions to strengthen their capacity to safely handle, store and dispose of mercury-containing equipment. Montenegro’s commitment to a mercury-free health sector and a safer environment for all is supported by a coordinated effort of all actors involved, including government representatives, health professionals and environmental experts. Consultations have also begun with the municipality of Bar on options for the temporary storage of mercury waste.
Protecting health and the environment
Albania and Montenegro, like 60% of countries in the WHO European Region, have ratified the Minamata Convention and committed to stopping the import, export and production of mercury-containing medical devices.
The project, which is ongoing also in Burkina Faso, India and Uganda, aims to phase out mercury-containing medical devices at a rate of 20% per year, reducing mercury procurement by more than 23 000 kg and improving the lives of over 1.8 million people in the 5 countries.
Participating countries are currently implementing pilot projects in selected health-care facilities to demonstrate the phasing out of mercury. Based on knowledge and practical experience gathered through these pilot projects, they will develop and adopt country-wide strategies to prohibit the import, export and manufacture of mercury-containing medical devices.