Strategies for the Safe Management and Disposal of Unused and Expired Pharmaceuticals in Emergency and Post-Emergency Settings: A Comprehensive Review

Pharmaceuticals are essential in emergency response, yet large volumes of unused, expired, or damaged medical products accumulate during and after crises. Inadequate disposal of these pharmaceuticals poses critical risks to human health, ecosystems, and antimicrobial resistance patterns. This review synthesizes WHO and international guidelines on safe pharmaceutical waste management in emergencies, highlighting procedures for classification, segregation, transportation, treatment, and final disposal. The article also examines emerging technologies, operational challenges in low-resource settings, environmental impacts, and the responsibilities of governments, humanitarian agencies, and health professionals. Recommendations for strengthening emergency preparedness, waste-minimisation strategies, and post-disaster recovery frameworks are also provided.