THE IMPACT OF WASTE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AS A DRIVER OF HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT

Yuliia Matvieieva; Ihor Rekunenko; Yuliia Opanasiuk; Karina Taraniuk; Iana Kobushko

doi:10.32782/CMI/2026-17-29

Yuliia Matvieieva Sumy State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3082-5551
Ihor Rekunenko Sumy State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1558-629X
Yuliia Opanasiuk Sumy State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9236-8587
Karina Taraniuk Sumy State University; Agriculture Academy Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9315-5540
Iana Kobushko Sumy State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2057-2300

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32782/CMI/2026-17-29

Keywords: waste management, public health, medical-ecological approach, One Health, Health Impact Assessment (HIA), circular economy, sustainable development, public health indicators, waste management system

Abstract

Modern waste management systems are predominantly evaluated through environmental and economic criteria, while public health indicators remain insufficiently integrated despite their critical role in assessing system effectiveness. Inefficient waste disposal and treatment increase the risks of infectious, respiratory, oncological diseases and negatively affect mental well-being, as confirmed by WHO and World Bank data. This study substantiates the need for a medical-ecological paradigm in waste management based on the One Health concept and Health Impact Assessment (HIA). Using comparative analysis of international practices and global health indicators, the paper demonstrates a strong correlation between pollution-related mortality, economic development, and waste management quality. The results justify integrating public health indicators into waste management optimization models, particularly for countries undergoing environmental policy reforms such as Ukraine.

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