Menstrual Hygiene Day

Menstrual Hygiene Day is an annual awareness day on May 28 to highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene management at a global level. This year was commemorated under the theme: “Together for PeriodFriendly Africa.”

This day is dedicated to encourage women to maintain hygiene during their menstrual cycle to stay healthy. The lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene facilities like sanitary pads and cultural misconceptions with regards to menstration, has led to poor  menstrual health and hygiene. World Menstrual Hygiene Day aims to address these issues by promoting better education and awareness about menstruation. This will help in reducing the negative impact of poor menstrual health and hygiene on women’s education, health, and overall quality of life. Menstrual cycle as well is an important aspect of preconception care, therefore our team set forth on a mission to improve menstrual hygiene and increase awareness on the new aspect of preconception care.

We paid a significant visit to the Mbororo community at Banche in the Northwest region, a community facing severe challenges in accessing healthcare and basic amenities such as electricity.

Understanding the critical needs of this underserved community, we set out on a mission to provide immediate and impactful assistance to this community in commemoration of the world menstrual hygiene day. We emphasized the importance of menstrual hygiene through educative health talks and also promoted access to sanitary products by distributing 40 reusable sanitary pads to 20 adolescents and youths. This initiative promoted hygiene but also ensured that these young women have access to sustainable menstrual products, thereby improving their quality of life and educational attendance.

We sensitized over 100 individuals on preconception care, an area of healthcare that is often overlooked but critical for maternal and neonatal health. The community showed great enthusiasm and readiness to embrace preconception practices, with men expressing their support for their partners. This proactive approach is expected to lead to early antenatal consultations, proper follow-up during pregnancy, and ultimately, a reduction in maternal and neonatal mortality rates. In addition, we conducted medical consultations for 60 individuals, including children. While at it, a significant concern identified was the prevalence of hypertension, both newly diagnosed and poorly controlled cases, as well as preeclampsia in pregnant women. These patients were counseled and referred to nearby health centers for ongoing care, highlighting the urgent need for consistent medical oversight in this community.

Our team shared some basic medical supplies to the community including paracetamol to manage fever and pain, as well as bandages, cotton, and gauze for wound care. This emergency response aimed to bridge the gap until patients can access better comprehensive medical care. Thanks to the generous support of the Mbusa’s Foundation, we were also able to distribute clothing and shoes to children, ensuring they remain warm and comfortable during the season. The foundation’s contributions equally extended to pregnant women who received  some  baby  items  for their  babies.

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We invite you to join us on this mission. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of many. If you are inspired by our work and wish to contribute or partner with us, please reach out  to us.