Waste management in disease prevention: A public health overview.

The rapid rise in urbanization and consumption has intensified global solid waste generation, creating pressing public health challenges. Improper waste disposal contributes to infectious diseases via vector proliferation, water and soil contamination and direct exposure to hazardous materials. This review synthesizes evidence on health risks from municipal, healthcare and electronic waste while evaluating interventions within the integrated solid waste management framework. Data shows the link between poor waste management and increased incidence of vector-borne, waterborne, respiratory and chronic diseases. An integrated, multi-sectoral approach grounded in circular economy principles is essential to safeguard human and environmental health.