Ouagadougou faces hygiene and environmental challenges

In Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the management of used sanitary pads and the sale of second-hand underwear are raising significant public health and environmental concerns.

Used sanitary pads are frequently disposed of in household trash without special precautions, leading to them being found in gutters, landfills, and nature. Health officials warn that these items are potentially infectious biomedical waste that can spread bacteria and pollute soil and water if not properly disinfected or incinerated. Sanitation workers report risks of disease exposure when collecting these items, often handling them with bare hands.

Simultaneously, the market for second-hand underwear, known locally as ‘yougou-yougou’, remains active. While some consumers prefer these items for their durability and lower cost compared to new products, the practice has sparked debates regarding intimate hygiene and sanitary risks.