Long-term: Support a ban for use of mercury containing devices and effectively promote the use of mercury free alternatives. Support countries in developing a national guidance manual for sound management of health-care mercury waste. Support countries in the development and implementation of a national plan, policies and legislation on mercury health-care waste. Promote the principles of environmentally sound management of health-care waste containing mercury, as set out in the UN Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (www.basel.int/). Support the allocation of human and financial resources to ensure procurement of mercury free alternatives and a sound management of health-care waste containing mercury