The World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed yearly around the world with the goal of raising awareness about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and following good hygiene practices, especially during menstruation.
The theme for World Menstrual Hygiene day 2022 was: “Making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030.”
IUEA, in partnership with Reach a Hand Uganda and Msichana Uganda, organised a community outreach on Saturday, May 28th 2022, to raise awareness about good menstrual hygiene management. In attendance were residents of Sankara Zone, Kansanga.
Msichana Uganda and the IUEA team engaged the young people in a menstrual health session and distributed reusable sanitary pads to over 100 vulnerable women and girls living in the Sankara Zone.
The session was designed to help the young people understand; how to use pads, the importance of hygiene, and self-care during their menstrual cycles.
Young people during the menstrual health session.
Msichana Uganda team, illustrating to the young people how to use the sanitary pads.
Mr. Isabirye Nicholas was leading the IUEA team. He addressed the residents on issues concerning menstruation, advising them not to be ashamed.
“Some cultures forbid discussion of menstruation openly and consider it dirty and shameful. Menstruation is a normal part of life. Instead of stigmatising these women, let us support them. As IUEA, we are glad to present to you these reusable sanitary pads.”
– Mr. Isabirye told the residents.
Mr. Isabirye Nicholas (L) and Reach a Hand Senior Programs officer, Bob Solomon Byuma(R), addressed the residents.
Meanwhile, the Reach a Hand Uganda Team, together with health workers from Komamboga Health Centre IV, worked hand in hand to offer free family planning and HIV testing and screening services.
A Health Officer conducts free HIV testing during the outreach.
This is not the first time the two organisations have partnered with IUEA to reach out to vulnerable communities.
Last year, Msichana Uganda officially partnered with IUEA to launch the ‘Pad Every Girl’ project, which aims to support school-going girls. Whereas a few days back, Reach a Hand Uganda partnered with IUEA to distribute COVID-19 relief food and hygiene kits to vulnerable young mothers living in Kampala.
By: IUEA Connect
