The transmission of infection and its control is illustrated by a “chain of infection” diagram (Box 3.1). Each link
in the chain must be present and in the precise sequential order for an infection to occur. Health workers should
understand the signifiance of each link and the means by which the chain of infection can be interrupted.
Consequently, good health-care waste management can be viewed as an infection-control procedure. It is also
important to note that breaking any link in the chain will prevent infection, although control measures for healthcare waste are most oftn directed at the “mode of transmission” stage in the chain of infection.