EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF LANDFILL MANAGEMENT ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND DISEASE CONTROL IN MTANDIRE COMMUNITY DISTRICT.

Improper landfill management poses a serious threat to public health, particularly in rapidly urbanizing and densely populated communities. In areas such as Mtandire in Lilongwe District Malawi, inadequate waste disposal practices have become a growing environmental and health concern. This study examined the relationship between landfill management practices and the prevalence of diseases among communities living near landfill sites.
The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including field surveys, interviews with residents and public health officials, and the review of environmental and health-related records. Data were collected to assess waste disposal practices the level of regulatory enforcement, and community awareness regarding the health risks associated with improper landfill management and Particular attention.
Findings revealed that improper landfill practices, including open dumping, inadequate waste segregation, and lack of proper landfill infrastructure, significantly contributed to environmental pollution. These conditions created breeding grounds for disease vectors such as mosquitoes and rodents, while also contaminating nearby water sources and degrading air quality In addition limited enforcement of waste management regulations and insufficient public awareness further worsened the situation, allowing unsafe disposal practices to continue. The study also found that many residents living near landfill areas lacked access to proper waste collection services and relied on informal or unsafe disposal methods.
The research highlights the urgent need for improved landfill management systems in Lilongwe. Strengthening waste management policies, investing in proper landfill infrastructure, enhancing regulatory enforcement, and promoting community education are critical steps toward reducing health risks and improving environmental conditions in rapidly growing urban communities. The findings aim to inform local authorities and stakeholders about the importance of sustainable waste management in protecting public health and promoting safer urban living environments.