Menstrual Hygiene Management

A SITUATIONAL Analysis study in uganda by MoES indicated the following
Over 50% of girls and women were stressed while in menstruation due to menstrual pains, body
weaknesses, and heavy flow which often bring headaches
79% of women and girls experience menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) as their main menstrual health
challenge.
Disposal pads are the most commonly used material among school girls and career women. Rural
women and girls commonly used pieces of cloth for padding. 52% use disposable pads, 32% use
pieces of cloth, 6% reusable pads, 5% cotton wool, 3% used toilet paper, while 2% use other
materials
Eight (8) districts representing 57% of those sampled for the study indicated providing emergency
pads. Of the 152 girls interviewed, 43 of them reported having emergency pads at school while 109
(71%) of the girls had none in their schools.
A situational analysis study in Uganda by MoES indicated the following;
Access to information
65% of women and girls have access to basic MHM information, with the major source of information
being schools for (61%); mainly for teachers, school going boys and girls. Other major sources of
information included; peers reported by 45% of respondents, workmates (37%) and CSOs/ NGOs (27%).
Absenteeism
In the same study, it is established that the increase in school absenteeism among girls is partly
attributed to starting their periods. Research from the 2020 situational analysis report by the Ministry
of Education and Sports, further indicated that more than half of girls that enroll in primary one drop
out before sitting their Primary Leaving Examinations mainly because of menstrual challenges such as
inability to afford sanitary products such as pads, – 77% of girls miss 2 – 3 days of school due to
menstrual-related challenges.
Access to water
59% have regular access to water at school and in communities, 93% of schools do not have latrines for
children living with disabilities, less than 50% of schools have washrooms while less than 10% have the
washrooms in good conditions. In Uganda, the majority of women and girls lack access to appropriate
sanitation facilities. Government and a small handful of NGOs at the national and regional level offer
programs to support improved sanitation in schools; however, few of these programs have an MHM
component. There is growing interest and intention to address MHM through governmental action, as
demonstrated by Policy.
Waste disposal
80% of female respondents in the MHM situation analysis reported
disposing off their pads in latrines, and similarly, 80% of public schools do
not have incinerators.
Access to other sanitation facilities
86% have separate toilet facilities for boys, girls and teachers.
Access to clinical care
Girls get inadequate clinical care when they experience menstrual health
problems such as premenstrual syndrome, painful menstrual periods,
irregular menstrual periods and excessive bleeding. This affects girls in
their well-being, including their confidence, shame, stigma and self –
esteem thus Psychological distress resulting from stigma and bullying

As a result we saw a gap that needed immediate interventions in the districts of western Uganda majorly Rwenzori region
Sensitization and community dialogues on Menstrual Hygiene Management in Kyegegwa District

Sensitization of girls in national and refugee host schools.

Providing sanitary kits to identified schools in Kyegegwa District