In Summary
- Celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day
- Menstrual Hygiene Day aims to raise awareness, educate & break harmful taboos
- This year’s theme, “Making Kenya Period-Friendly
Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28, marks a global celebration intended to raise awareness about the importance of prioritizing menstrual health and hygiene
This year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day theme is #PeriodFriendlyWorld.
The Ministry of Health in Kenya reaffirms its unwavering commitment to enhancing menstrual health and hygiene nationwide.
According to Mary Muthoni Muriuki, Principal Secretary of the state department of Public Health and
Professional Standards in the Ministry of Health, challenges persist, necessitating sustained support and Improvement efforts.
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Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Policy
Kenya launched its Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Policy in May 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, marking significant progress in integrating MHM into various government initiatives.
Research conducted in 2016 by the Ministry of Health highlights significant challenges faced by Kenyan girls and women regarding menstrual health and hygiene.
Key findings include limited access to menstrual hygiene products, which has been associated with risky sexual behavior and hindered education, particularly due to poor Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) conditions in schools.
“We have made significant strides in providing accurate information on menstruation and promoting affordable access to quality menstrual products and sanitation facilities,” stated Muthoni.
“Sustainable menstrual waste management practices have been implemented through initiatives such as the ‘Epuka Uchafu Campaign,'” she added.
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In a recent Interview on Ghetto Radio’s Morning show , Brekko, young teenagers from Embakasi narrated the struggle girls in low income areas go through in accessing menstrual products
”Unapata mtaani madem wengi wanastruggle kupata pads sana juu mzazi pia anashughulika kutafuta pesa ya chakula” Narrated one teenage girl
The situation has led to a section of girls using improvised materials that are unsanitary and unsafe.
Constant discussions amongst different stakeholders are pegged on provision of sanitary pads for free countrywide with some arguing the hygiene products should be easily accessible as condoms are.
