Journal of Women's Health Care
Open Access

Menstrual Hygiene Management Challenges and Solutions for Women in Low-Income Countries

Mohammed Mohsin^{* *}Correspondence: Mohammed Mohsin, Department of Womens Health, Ariana University, Kabul, Afghanistan, Email:

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Menstruation is a natural biological process that occurs in all women, but the way it is managed differs greatly depending on the level of resources available. Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a major challenge for women and girls in low-income countries. The lack of access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene products during menstruation often leads to poor health outcomes, social exclusion, and decreased productivity. In this article, we will explore the challenges associated with MHM in low-income countries and potential solutions [1].

One of the major challenges in managing menstruation in lowincome countries is the lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities. According to a report by UNICEF, only 27% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa has access to basic sanitation facilities, and this can have a significant impact on menstrual hygiene. Women and girls may resort to using unhygienic materials like cloth, leaves, or even soil during menstruation due to the lack of access to sanitary pads. This can increase the risk of infections, including urinary tract infections and reproductive tract infections. Another challenge is the lack of education about menstruation. In many low-income countries, menstruation is still considered a taboo subject, and girls may be too embarrassed to talk about it. This lack of education can lead to misconceptions about menstruation, which can affect their ability to manage their periods effectively. Girls may also miss school during their periods due to shame or the lack of facilities, which can result in them falling behind in their studies and may even lead to them dropping out of school entirely [2].

To address the challenges associated with MHM in low-income countries, there are several solutions that can be implemented.

Education: One of the most important solutions is education. By educating girls and women about menstruation and providing information on how to manage their periods hygienically, we can break the stigma surrounding menstruation and increase awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene. This can be done through community education programs, school-based health education, and health promotion campaigns [3].

Access to sanitation facilities: Another key solution is to increase access to sanitation facilities. Governments and NGOs can work together to provide basic sanitation facilities like toilets and hand washing stations in schools and communities. This can make a huge difference in the lives of girls and women, ensuring they have a safe and hygienic place to manage their periods.

Access to hygiene products: Providing access to affordable and sustainable menstrual hygiene products is also important. This can include reusable sanitary pads, menstrual cups, or other ecofriendly options. These products can be distributed through health clinics or community programs to ensure that all girls and women have access to the products they need [4].

Innovative technologies: Innovative technologies can also be used to address the challenges associated with MHM. For example, there are new waterless and reusable menstrual products that can be used in low-resource settings. These products are affordable, environmentally friendly, and can be used for up to 10 years. Innovative technologies like these can be transformative in improving menstrual hygiene management in low-income countries. Collaboration and Partnership: Finally, collaboration and partnership between governments, NGOs, and private sector companies are critical to address the challenges of menstrual hygiene management in low-income countries. By working together, we can pool resources and expertise to create sustainable and effective solutions that address the needs of women and girls.

In addition to the solutions mentioned above, there are other strategies that can be implemented to address the challenges of menstrual hygiene management in low-income countries. Engaging Men and Boys: Engaging men and boys in conversations about menstrual hygiene is important to break the taboo and reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation. By engaging men and boys in these discussions, we can increase awareness about the challenges faced by women and girls and promote more gender-equitable attitudes and behaviours [5].

Menstrual hygiene management is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to address. Education, access to sanitation facilities, access to hygiene products, engaging men and boys, innovative technologies, and collaboration and partnership are all important strategies for improving menstrual hygiene management in low-income countries. By prioritizing menstrual hygiene management, we can help girls and women in low-income countries manage their periods hygienically and with dignity, ensuring they can fully participate in their communities and reach their full potential.

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