Essential Elements for a Long-Term Success in Difficult Business Scenarios, as Advocated by Rugeyyi George Igga, MSF
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DROC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) faces significant challenges regarding sustainable waste management for its fleets due to the country's limited infrastructure and lack of local providers [2][3][4]. MSF's operations are primarily focused on emergency medical and epidemic response amid conflict and resource constraints, which complicates the implementation of sustainable waste management solutions specifically for vehicle fleets.
The absence of sustainable waste management infrastructure in the DROC exacerbates disease outbreaks like cholera. MSF emphasises that without investment in waste management systems, epidemics cannot be sustainably controlled [3][4]. However, direct references to waste management solutions for fleets, such as vehicle maintenance waste, oil, batteries, or hazardous medical waste from mobile units, are not explicitly documented in the available sources.
Key contextual points for MSF's waste and logistics challenges in DROC include:
- Severe logistical challenges due to lack of infrastructure and transportation options, such as poor road networks and absence of reliable cold chains for vaccines, requiring creative transport methods over long distances without electricity or local providers [2][3].
- The necessity of sustainable solutions for water, sanitation, and waste management to prevent disease transmission in both medical facilities and displaced-person contexts, highlighting a systemic lack of local capacity in these sectors [2][3][4].
- MSF's existing emergency interventions concentrate on epidemic control, vaccination campaigns, and basic hygiene support rather than formalized fleet waste management systems [2][3].
Given these constraints, possible sustainable waste management strategies for MSF fleets in countries like DROC where providers are lacking may include:
- Developing in-house waste segregation and temporary containment protocols adapted to local conditions, minimising environmental contamination and health risks.
- Training fleet and field staff in basic hazardous waste handling, including used oil, batteries, and solid waste from vehicle servicing, to safely store waste until appropriate disposal options are found or transported out of the region.
- Collaborating with local communities and authorities to incrementally build waste collection, recycling, or disposal capacity that benefits broader public health.
- Utilising durable, low-maintenance vehicle technologies and environmentally friendlier consumables where possible to reduce waste generation.
Recycling involves collecting and segregating waste, storing it appropriately, and partnering with commercial organisations to establish recycling plants. Collaborations with commercial entities facilitate waste disposal and exchange programs, redirecting old equipment and spare parts for recycling or reuse. Through partnerships, MSF collects over 20 tons of fleet waste, including batteries, tires, and engine oil.
Reusing and repairing materials is another essential aspect of effective waste management. Reducing waste involves employing high-quality products, extending usage intervals, reducing battery consumption, implementing driver training on eco-driving, and enhancing preventive maintenance.
Innovative approaches have been instrumental in effectively managing waste in challenging environments like the DROC. Engaging with humanitarian organisations to increase waste volume for commercial recycling plants remains a priority.
Therefore, addressing fleet waste sustainably in such a setting requires MSF to innovate within its emergency and logistical framework by adopting adapted internal protocols and advocating for durable improvements in local waste management systems to reduce both environmental and health impacts.
References:
[1] Almy Magalhaes, Ecolab, discussed how AI and ML can benefit Commercial Fleets. [2] Sandra Roling, Climate Group, discussed which countries are EV-ready. [3] Ted Chan, Schindler, discussed the viability of flexible pricing as a solution for Fleet. [4] Ikhwan Rosli, BP, discussed whether an international fleet approach is more efficient than a local one. [5] Rugeyyi George Igga is the Regional Support Fleet Management at Médecins sans Frontières (MSF). [6] The question answered by Rugeyyi George Igga is about dealing with waste in countries without sustainable waste management providers. [7] Effective waste management in such areas involves focusing on the five Rs of waste management: refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, and recycle. [8] Jenny Archibald, Norwegian Refugee Council, discussed reducing emissions with the 'Avoid - Shift - Improve' approach. [9] Steven Schoefs and Yves Helven discussed achieving a sustainable fleet wherever EV is not an option. [10] The Democratic Republic of Congo (DROC) is an example of a country where managing waste effectively poses significant challenges due to the lack of sustainable waste solutions. [11] Carlos Roberto Guemez Shedden, UNHCR, addressed how data tracking can reduce road crashes in countries with a low road safety culture. [12] Marc Sibbald, IPWEA, discussed the anticipation of flexible fleet funding methods like subscription, novated lease, and private lease.
- In the absence of local waste management providers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DROC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) could develop in-house waste segregation and temporary containment protocols to minimize environmental contamination and health risks.
- To prevent disease transmission and address waste management challenges, MSF could collaborate with local communities and authorities to incrementally build waste collection, recycling, or disposal capacity that benefits public health.
- In order to effectively manage waste in the DROC, MSF may also consider utilizing durable, low-maintenance vehicle technologies and environmentally friendlier consumables to reduce waste generation.
- Recycling is a key strategy for managing waste sustainably, and MSF can partner with commercial entities to establish recycling plants, collect recyclable materials from vehicles, and exchange old equipment and spare parts for recycling or reuse.
