Research Article
Emerging Security Challenges to Africa: The Case of Haphazard Disposal of Pharmaceuticals in Ghana
|
Ken Emmanuel Ahorsu
1, *
and Yvonne Esseku
2
|
| 1 Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana |
| 2 African Collaborating Centre for Pharmacovigilance, Accra, Ghana |
| * Corresponding author |
Abstract:
The study of the Disposal of Unused/Unwanted Medicines Project examines ways in which medicines are disposed of in Ghana and assesses how disposal methods can impact water resources. The study showed a number of challenges: gaps in the legislative framework for the disposal of medicines; environmentally-unfriendly methods of disposal of medicines; and large quantities of medicines potentially disposed of indiscriminately with major impact on the environment. It recommends a review of the legal framework to ensure the proper disposal of all unused medicines; policies to mop up excess medicines with members of the public; review of prescribing and dispensing practices to reduce excess medicines; and further research into the types of pharmaceuticals that are present and persist in the environment, their effects and how they affect quality of life.
Keywords: disposal of unused medicines Project (DUMP); environmental security; eco-pharmacovigilance; Ghana; human security
