Fear as Dandora Dumpsite Scavengers are Pictured Wearing Discarded PPEs

Pictures of young men wearing discarded Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) collected from the Dandora dumpsite in Nairobi have emerged on social media. 

The photos captured by Associated Press photojournalist Brian Inganga have raised concerns over the poor disposal of the gear worn by medics handling COVID-19 patients.

The young men who were found at the dumpsite scavenging recyclable materials for sale said they decided to wear the gowns to cover themselves during the rainy season, oblivious of the danger posed by the used medical gear. 

Improper disposal of PPEs can lead to the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, which lasts on surfaces. 

The young men are among hundreds of city residents who earn a living from the dumpsite by collecting plastic materials and other wastes for sale. They told AFP that they found the PPEs from garbage discarded by hospitals and clinics.

The careless disposal of gowns and other medical equipment such as masks and gloves that might be contaminated violates guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO). The two recommend incineration of such wastes.