Sustainable development and the achievement of the UN Global Goals demand innovative approaches to address pressing environmental and social challenges. One critical yet often overlooked area is the management of healthcare waste, a by-product of modern medical practices. The Afya Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has demonstrated that discarded medical supplies can be repurposed to serve critical needs worldwide, fostering economic equality, environmental protection, and improved healthcare outcomes.
The healthcare waste challenge and global impacts
Healthcare systems worldwide generate significant waste, with the United States producing an estimated 4.7 million pounds of medical waste annually. Regulatory frameworks, such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, require hospitals to discard unused supplies, even if they remain sealed. This practice results in staggering environmental and economic costs. A 2019 study published in JAMA estimated that waste in the U.S. healthcare system costs between $760 billion and $935 billion annually, while interventions targeting waste could save up to $286 billion.
This issue extends beyond financial burdens. Globally, approximately 4.8 billion people lack access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical care. Regions affected by poverty, disasters, and conflict face “supply deserts,” where essential medical equipment is unavailable. Bridging this gap is vital for achieving justice and strong institutions, fostering resilience, and advancing climate action by reducing waste.
Afya Foundation: A model for sustainable healthcare solutions
Founded in 2007 by Danielle N. Butin, the Afya Foundation transforms discarded medical supplies into life-saving resources. Afya, meaning "health" in Swahili, exemplifies the integration of social justice, environmental protection, and economic equality into healthcare solutions. The foundation collaborates with hospitals, manufacturers, and donors to divert medical supplies from landfills and distribute them to communities in need.
Afya’s work operates through four core programmes:
1. Health System Strengthening: Customised shipments support health systems in resource-limited regions such as Ghana, Uganda, and Saint Lucia. Supplies include bandages, sutures, surgical instruments, and more, tailored to local needs for maximum impact.
2. Community Safety Net: In the United States, Afya delivers supplies to community health centres and school-based clinics, addressing healthcare disparities in under-resourced areas. Recent initiatives have supported organisations across New York and Puerto Rico.
3. Mobility Training: Durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers, is provided alongside training for caregivers. Beneficiaries include township communities in South Africa and refugees at Fort Dix.
4. Disaster Response: Afya mobilises quickly during crises, delivering essential supplies to disaster-stricken areas, including Haiti following the 2021 earthquake and Ukraine during ongoing conflicts.
Quantifiable achievements and a brighter future
Afya has diverted more than 16 million pounds of medical supplies from landfills, delivering them to over 90 countries. By addressing immediate healthcare needs and reducing environmental harm, the foundation embodies the principles of sustainability and global collaboration.
A 2024 report highlights that efficient redistribution of medical supplies could lower healthcare system waste by 25% annually. As global initiatives scale up, organisations like Afya pave the way for science-driven solutions to improve healthcare access while mitigating environmental impact.
Collaboration and the global society
The Afya Foundation’s success underscores the importance of global partnerships in achieving the UN Global Goals, particularly peace and justice. Collaboration with academic institutions, such as New York University’s In Dialogue initiative, engages students in hands-on inventory efforts, connecting them with global humanitarian challenges.
Efforts to amplify Afya’s mission include forming alliances with private and public sectors to expand impact. A future where such programmes become integral to healthcare systems worldwide aligns with the UN’s vision of sustainable development and a fairer, healthier planet.
The Afya Foundation illustrates how innovative thinking can transform waste into opportunity, fostering economic equality and improving healthcare outcomes. As climate challenges intensify and global inequities persist, replicating models like Afya’s is essential.
To learn more about the Afya Foundation’s impactful work, visit Afya Foundation’s website. For additional information on global efforts to advance sustainability, explore resources from the United Nations and organisations championing environmental protection, climate action, and social justice.
By rethinking waste and strengthening global collaboration, a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable future is within reach.
More information: https://afyafoundation.org/