UNDP, EpiAFRIC, NHW, Reboot, Call for Submission to #Hack4COVIDWaste

Sunday Ehigiator

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in partnership with EpiAFRIC, Reboot and Nigeria Health Watch (NHW), has officially announced an open call for submissions to the #Hack4COVIDWaste.

In a statement over the weekend, jointly signed by UNDP Communication Lead, Alison Clement, and the Head of Communications NHW, Uche Nwagboso, the group said the hackathon was designed to develop solutions that will combat the issue of poor management and disposal of COVID-19 waste.

According to them, “the hackathon will be a hybrid in person-virtual event and will take place at Ventures Park in Abuja from October 15 to 16, 2021.

“Technology enthusiasts focused on social impact innovation are encouraged to apply online from October 1, 2021 using the application portal.

“Health facilities and COVID-19 centers in Nigeria are facing immense challenges in the disposal of infected masks, gloves, and other protective equipment as well as vaccine related supplies.

“These facilities often have protocols for the safe disposal of biomedical waste; however the poor handling of this waste poses a hazard for health workers, patients, visitors, and communities around health facilities.”

The group said the #Hack4COVIDWaste hackathon will address the issue of Covid-19 biomedical waste management, and would also create a platform for health workers to collaborate with developers, business people and technology practitioners to develop viable solutions that will contribute to sustainable Covid-19 waste management in Nigeria.

“All submissions will be reviewed, and shortlisted teams will be invited to participate in the hackathon.

“The selected teams will be asked to take their ideas through a design thinking process and pitching sessions followed by mentorship by industry experts to refine their ideas in separate breakout rooms.

“After the first day, teams will have the opportunity to pitch their COVID-19 waste management solution to a panel of judges with the potential of making it through to the second day of the hackathon. Finalists will then pitch their refined idea to a panel of judges.”

Giving additional information, Crisis Prevention and Recovery Advisor UNDP, William Tsuma, said proper disposal of Covid-19 waste was essential and needs to be addressed urgently.

He said the mismanagement of Covid-19 related waste can cause unforeseen knock-off effects on both human health and the environment.

“At the UNDP, we are pleased to support the #Hack4COVIDWaste to enable the development of homegrown innovative solutions, as the safe handling and disposal of waste is a vital element in an effective emergency response.”

Also speaking, the C.E.O EpiAFRIC, Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor, noted that the partnership came at an appropriate time, particularly with the increasing numbers of Covid-19 patients and the recent arrival of vaccines.

“It is of great concern to see the growing amount of waste generated from Covid-19 response measures, such as used facemasks on the streets and syringes/needles improperly disposed of in health centers.

“Therefore, this timely intervention will leverage existing talent in the innovation community here in Nigeria and will go a long way in helping to solve the management of COVID-19 wastes.

“In addition, shortlisted participants will benefit from mentoring, training, networking, and other support to move their solutions from ideas to workable solutions.”