FG Develops Policy On Menstrual Health, Hygiene Management

The Federal Government has said it will develop policies to promote effective Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management in Nigeria.

This was disclosed by Deputy Director, Child Development Department, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr. Ali Madugu, on Monday at a one-day meeting to develop Information, Education and Communication materials on MHHM in Abuja.

According to him, the development of policies and IEC materials are to support advocacy on MHHM to Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as to women and girls at the grassroots.

Also, the Head, Health Desk Division, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Maryam Shuaibu, said the essence of the meeting is to develop IEC materials for improved MHHM.

According to her, participants in the meeting were expected to come up with a draft IEC on the issue of menstruation among Nigerian women and girls.

She said this was imperative due to the low level of awareness on MHHM, which had contributed greatly to the growing stigma and misconceptions related to menstruation, especially restriction from social activities.

Co-chair, Technical Working Group, MHHM committee, Dr. Elizabeth Jeiyol, said material deprivation, lack and cost of clean absorbents, lack of WASH facilities and disposal are factors that contribute to poor menstrual health.

Jeiyol, represented by Elsie Ozika, Executive Director, Toilet Kulture, stressed the need to make available and accessible facilities and materials to promote MHHM in the country.

A participant, Ms. Jachike Ojukwu, who represented the United Nations Population Funds, said the meeting will improve the overall MHHM of women and girls, thereby attaining the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly on good health and well-being of women and girls.

Similarly, Mrs. Funmi Olorunmola, Executive Director, Pad A Girl project, said the meeting is an opportunity for the government and relevant stakeholders to provide materials that can easily be distributed to young girls and women on MHHM.