Journal of Human Security

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Emerging Security Challenges to Africa: The Case of Haphazard Disposal of Pharmaceuticals in Ghana

Ken Emmanuel Ahorsu
Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
Yvonne Esseku
African Collaborating Centre for Pharmacovigilance, Accra, Ghana

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 ,