How community engagements are combating menstrual health misconceptions
“When girls cannot manage their menstrual health in safe and supportive environments, their education suffers, and their dignity is compromised,” Watuwa explained.
Guests during the International Menstrual Hygiene Management Day with pupils of Namakwekwe Primary School after receiving sanitary pads donated by Absa Bank. This was at the school in Mbale City. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)
By Lawrence Mulondo
Journalists @New Vision
Aisha Namboozo a teacher at Namakwekwe Primary School teaching pupils how to sew reusable sanitary pads. This was on Thursday at the school in Mbale City. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)
For years, menstrual health has been clouded by myths and misconceptions, leading to serious health and social consequences.
These harmful beliefs often limit girls' education, undermine women's well-being, and perpetuate stigma.
However, community engagement efforts under the Heroes for Gender Transformative Action program by Amref Health Africa Uganda are working to dismantle these misconceptions and empower individuals with accurate menstrual health information.
Through open discussions and education, the initiative seeks to create a supportive and inclusive environment where menstrual health is understood and managed effectively.
Challenging misconceptions about menstrual health
Dr. Rehema Wanjiru, the in-charge of Namakwekwe Health Centre III in Mbale City, has observed that many people in the community still associate heavy menstrual bleeding with witchcraft or the use of family planning methods.
These misconceptions contribute to confusion and hinder individuals from seeking proper medical care.
“We go for community dialogues where we debunk these myths. Through investigations, we often find that infections cause changes in menstrual cycles. Once treated, the issue is resolved,” Dr. Wanjiru explained.
She also noted that some communities discourage the use of sanitary pads, fearing they might affect a woman’s fertility.
To address these issues, Dr. Wanjiru’s team holds community dialogues four times a week, where they interact with the public to discuss menstrual hygiene management and inform people about available health services.
These sessions target a wide audience, including girls, boys, parents, and teachers.
Menstrual hygiene education for youth
A significant focus of the program is educating young people, particularly school-going children, on menstrual hygiene.
Amref’s Journeys Plus curriculum, launched in collaboration with Absa Bank, the Netherlands Embassy, and the Iceland Embassy, is being implemented in ten schools in Mbale.
The curriculum targets pupils aged 9-14 and teaches them not only how to manage their menstrual health but also how to make reusable sanitary pads using simple tools.
While speaking at the commemoration of the International Menstrual Hygiene Management Day at Namakwekwe Primary School in Mbale City on Thursday, Program Manager Michael Muyonga emphasised the importance of providing children with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their cycles.
“Through this program, we teach young people how to make reusable pads and give them disposable sanitary pads. This ensures that no child misses school due to menstruation,” he said.
The training in schools is conducted twice a week in shifts, and each child makes at least one reusable pad during the sessions.
In addition to menstrual health education, the curriculum also encourages children to engage in practical projects like urban farming.
This holistic approach aims to foster independence and a sense of responsibility among the youth.
Addressing the stigma
In many communities, stigma surrounding menstruation remains a significant barrier to education.
Dr. Wanjiru highlighted that many girls miss school during their periods because they lack sanitary materials.
“Most parents claim they cannot afford sanitary pads, which leads to girls staying home, feeling embarrassed or ashamed,” she explained.
Through community dialogues, the program works to engage parents and teachers, helping them understand the challenges girls face during menstruation and encouraging them to provide support.
Dr. Wanjiru emphasized that by addressing the stigma, they aim to create a school environment where girls can learn without fear of judgment or exclusion.
Pain management
Menstrual pain is another issue that the program tackles through community engagement.
Dr. Wanjiru explained that pain levels vary based on age, and in some cases, further investigations are required to determine the cause of severe pain.
“We often use scanning machines to identify underlying issues like fibroids that may affect menstrual health. Once diagnosed, we provide appropriate treatment,” she said.
The program also emphasises the importance of adolescent-friendly health services, ensuring that young people have access to the care they need when faced with menstrual health challenges.
Improving school completion rates
The Heroes for Gender Transformative Action program has had a notable impact on school completion rates in Mbale.
Francis Toko, the Acting Education Officer for Mbale City, praised Amref’s efforts, stating that the program has equipped both teachers and students with life-saving skills.
“Last year, our completion rate stood at 85%, compared to 60% in previous years,” he shared.
He urged that the program be expanded to all 59 schools in the city, to reach a 100% completion rate.
Toko also highlighted the need for water harvesting systems in schools and incinerators for the proper disposal of used sanitary pads.
These improvements would help create a more hygienic and supportive environment for students.
Alfred Chebet, Assistant RCC for Mbale Northern Division, reinforced the importance of menstrual health education, noting that the program aligns with the president’s initiative for socio-economic transformation.
He advised girls to take charge of their health, saying, “Menstruation is natural and healthy. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Protect yourselves from unwanted pregnancies and early marriages.”
He also urged young people to become advocates for health and gender equality, contributing to the fight against harmful practices that hinder progress.
A collaborative effort for a better future
The Mayor of Mbale Northern Division, George Mwanika, expressed gratitude to development partners for their efforts in improving the community’s well-being.
“Through programs like this, we are seeing positive changes in the lives of our citizens. Partners have supported us in mindset change, infrastructure development, and access to clean water,” he said.
Dr. Patrick Kagurusi, the Amref Health Africa Uganda Country Manager, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of education and health in securing a better future for the country.
“One of our main concerns is ensuring that children, especially girls, stay in school and complete their education. We must address issues like teenage pregnancy, which often traps young people in cycles of poverty,” he said.
A call to action
Amref’s commitment to improving menstrual health in Uganda is backed by its partners, including the Netherlands and Iceland embassies, and Absa Bank.
As Peter Watuwa, Absa’s Regional Manager, pointed out, menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue, it’s a matter of equity and opportunity.
“When girls cannot manage their menstrual health in safe and supportive environments, their education suffers, and their dignity is compromised,” he explained.
With continued support from all stakeholders, these programs are paving the way for a future where every girl can pursue her dreams without barriers, discrimination, or shame.