The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is addressing the environmental risks of pharmaceuticals by promoting a One Health approach to manage them throughout their lifecycle, from manufacturing to disposal. Key areas of focus include preventing pollution from sources like manufacturing and improper disposal, managing pharmaceutical waste, and addressing environmental impacts such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and endocrine disruption.
Find out more: Pharmaceuticals in the Environment | UNEP – UN Environment Programme
UNEP has developed the guidance Safe disposal of unused medicines – A One Health approach for national systems. The guidance provides a systematic, comprehensive and multisectoral framework to support countries in strengthening national systems for the safe disposal of unused human and veterinary medicines.
Grounded in a One Health approach, the guidance emphasizes the interconnections between human health, animal health and the environment. It focuses on key sectors—healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceutical industry and households—and is structured around four foundational pillars:
- Waste prevention
- Comprehensive take-back schemes
- Legal and policy frameworks
- Awareness-raising
The guidance also offers stepwise approaches, practical examples and enabling conditions to support implementation across diverse national contexts.
Find out more: Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines – A One Health approach for national systems