Introduction: Public hospitals in Africa are experiencing major organizational dysfunctions, which are particularly acute in waste management. The opening of a new reference hospital in Niamey offers the opportunity to study the implementation of an innovative waste management system.
Purpose of research: The objective of this study was to document the agents’ representations, practices, and construction of waste management standards in a new tertiary hospital in Niamey. We sought to study the implementation of innovative materials in waste management and the progressive construction of protocols, habits, and levers of adaptation. This research was carried out using a socio-spatial approach and essentially mobilized the tools of qualitative investigation.
Results: Our study highlighted that a hospital waste management culture is progressively established, thanks to an effort to plan activities, to promote the sector, the activities and the emergence of a profession organized around waste management. However, the distinct waste management sectors are struggling to stabilize due to the differentiated statuses and perceptions of the agents. Finally, the success of hospital waste management depends on waste collection at the city level.
Conclusions: The Niamey referral hospital is intended to be an infrastructure of excellence, a showcase for neighboring countries. In this respect, our study shows that it is crucial to invest in planning, the enhancement of the profession and the recognition of all the agents involved in waste management.