Menstrual Hygiene Day 2019: Why Menstrual Hygiene is important!

KATHMANDU: Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) is a global platform that brings together non-profits, government agencies, the private sector, the media and individuals to promote Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM).

Menstrual Hygiene Day will help to break the silence and build awareness about the fundamental role that good menstrual hygiene plays in enabling women and girls to reach their full potential.

It catalyses a growing, global movement for MHM and supports partnerships at global, regional, national and local level. MH Day also creates opportunities for advocacy for the integration of MHM into global, national and local policies, programs and projects.

1. End menstrual shame by sharing your story
2. Empower vulnerable girls by becoming a Period Buddy
3. Show that women and girls can do anything during their periods

The theme of Menstrual Hygiene Day this year is “NoMoreLimits – Empowering Women and Girls Through Good Menstrual Hygiene”

We need to break the silence, raises awareness and changes negative social norms around MHM, and engages decision-makers to increase the political priority and catalyze action for MHM, at global, national and local levels.

Following are some of the health risks of poor menstrual hygiene:

1. Unclean sanitary pads/ Harmful sanitary pad alternatives: The use of unclean pads or harmful sanitary pad alternatives such as dried leaves or paper can cause fungal infection in the reproductive tract or urinary infection.

2. Prolonged wearing of sanitary pad: By wearing one sanitary pad beyond its stipulated time period, which is 6-8 hours, one is prone to develop rashes and vaginal yeast infections with the side effect of bad odor.

3. Disposal of sanitary napkins: The disposal of sanitary napkins is a problem that plagues society at large. Most women throw them in the garbage bin, which often then end up getting mixed with dry, wet and other hazardous waste. Exposed sanitary napkins can also cause serious health issues and skin diseases. They also end up clogging the drains, adding to the toxic waste.  (Agencies)