African Coalition For Menstrual Health (ACMH)’s Post

Media statement: A Call for Dignity - Introducing the proposed Menstrual Health Equity Bill (draft) ✊🏾📚🩸 Today, we make a historic demand that echoes across our nation. As I_Menstruate Movement, we proudly present the proposed Menstrual Health Equity Bill (draft) to South Africa under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa. This legislation promises a South Africa where menstruation is not a source of shame but a matter of dignity and health, for all menstruators in our society. As I_Menstruate Movement, we urge every individual, organisation, school, business, and government entity to stand with us. Let’s build a nation that no longer bleeds in silence but stands proudly united for menstrual health and justice. To make your submission or endorsement of this proposed Menstrual Health Equity Bill (draft), you can click here 👇🏾 https://lnkd.in/dvXGpEic #PeriodPovertyEndsWithUs #MenstrualEquity #MenstrualHealthEquityBill #Menstruation

Menstrual Health is a fundamental aspect of human rights, dignity and public health. As a society we need to join hands in breaking taboos nd raising awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management. Our engagements should lead in educating, empowering and transforming the conversation around menstrual health. Good menstrual hygiene is crucial for the health, well being, and empowerment of women and girls worldwide. It plays a critical role in enabling women and girls to reach their full potential

🌍 Reflections on Menstrual Health in Pakistan 🌍 Having recently attended a webinar on Menstrual Health in Pakistan, I’m left with a mix of concern and urgency regarding the state of menstrual health management in our country. The discussion highlighted several pressing issues: Lack of Access: Many individuals still face significant barriers to accessing menstrual products and education. Stigma and Taboo: Societal stigmas continue to inhibit open conversations and effective solutions. Policy Gaps: There is a noticeable gap in policy implementation and support for menstrual health initiatives. The insights provided during the webinar underscore the need for comprehensive policy changes and community-based interventions. We must prioritize breaking down stigmas, improving access to menstrual products, and ensuring that menstrual health is addressed in our public health agendas. The path forward requires collective action from policymakers, healthcare professionals, and civil society to create an environment where menstrual health is openly discussed and effectively managed. #MenstrualHealth #PublicHealth #GenderEquality #Pakistan #PolicyChange #Healthcare

Continuing my weekly case study series, this week I’m sharing my work on Scotland’s Action Campaign for Menstrual Hygiene Products, published with Sage Business Cases. 🩸 Menstrual Hygiene Products as a Basic Need: What Can Scotland’s Action Campaign Teach About Improving Public Health Worldwide? 🌍 This case highlights Scotland's groundbreaking campaign to make menstrual hygiene products freely accessible, positioning them as a basic public health need. It explores how this initiative can serve as a global model for improving health equity, reducing stigma, and promoting social justice. 🔑 Key Takeaways: How Scotland’s approach can inspire global policy changes in public health. The importance of destigmatizing menstruation and prioritizing menstrual health. What other countries can learn from this initiative in tackling gender and health inequities. Read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/gp3_e4Gx #PublicHealth #GenderEquity #MenstrualHealth #CaseStudy #Scotland #SocialJustice #HealthInnovation #HygieneProducts

Menstrual health is not just a women's issue; It’s a societal issue that affects education, health, and economic development. At SAVE-EXTRA ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS, we're committed to providing sustainable and affordable solutions to ensure no girl or woman is held back by her period. It’s time to break the stigma, educate communities, and promote access to safe, eco-friendly menstrual products. Let me know what you think: How can we improve menstrual health management in underserved communities in Nigeria? #MenstrualHealth #Sustainability #WomenEmpowerment #PeriodPoverty #InnovationForGood

Repost I_Menstruate Movement 🩸📚✊🏾| A Call for Dignity - Introducing the proposed Menstrual Health EquityBill (draft) Today, we make a historic demand that echoes across our nation. As I_Menstruate Movement,we proudly present the proposed Menstrual Health Equity Bill (draft) to South Africa under theleadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa . This legislation promises a South Africa where menstruation is not a source of shame but a matter of dignity and health, for all menstruators in our society. We urge every individual, activist, organisation, school, business, andgovernment entity to stand with us. Let’s build a nation that no longer bleeds in silence but stands proudly united for menstrual health and justice. To make your submission or endorsement of this proposed Menstrual Health Equity Bill (draft), you can click here 👇🏾 https://lnkd.in/dZ8pZKhs #PeriodPovertyEndsWithUs #MenstrualHealthEquityBill #MenstrualEquity #Menstruation #Dignity

Please join me tomorrow for a crucial discussion. UNFPA East and Southern Africa, along with the African Coalition on Menstrual Health (ACMH), are hosting a webinar on Menstrual Health within the Universal Health Care framework: A life cycle approach from pre-menarche to post-menopause. @AfriCoMH @MHDay28May @UNFPA_ESARO Our objectives are to: 1. Establish a platform for advocacy, dialogue, knowledge sharing, research dissemination, networking, and partnerships to enhance policy, programming, and research on menstrual health within the scope of universal health coverage, emphasizing menstrual health throughout different life stages. 2. Promote South-South learning and the exchange of best practices on effective, comprehensive, and innovative policy and program approaches to menstrual health across various phases in the lives of girls and women. Registration link: https://bit.ly/3yszERl #PeriodFriendlyWorld #MHDay2024

Anemia, a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, remains a significant public health concern globally. In India, the National Nutrition Strategy (NNS) 2018 highlighted the prevalence of anemia among children and women of reproductive age, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. *Prevalence of Anemia* According to the NNS 2018, the prevalence of anemia among children under the age of 5 years is approximately 53.7%. This is a staggering figure, indicating that more than half of India's young children are at risk of impaired cognitive and physical development due to anemia. Among women of reproductive age (15-49 years), the prevalence of anemia is around 42.7%. This is particularly concerning, as anemia during pregnancy can lead to poor birth outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm delivery. *Causes and Consequences* Anemia in children and women of reproductive age is often caused by a combination of factors, including: 1. Iron deficiency: Lack of iron in the diet or poor absorption of iron from food. 2. Poor nutrition: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, including vitamin B12, folate, and other micronutrients. 3. Chronic diseases: Conditions such as malaria, tuberculosis, and chronic kidney disease can contribute to anemia. 4. Menstrual blood loss: Women of reproductive age may experience anemia due to heavy menstrual bleeding. The consequences of anemia are far-reaching and can have significant impacts on individuals, families, and communities. Anemia can lead to: 1. Impaired cognitive and physical development in children 2. Poor pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm delivery 3. Reduced productivity and economic opportunities 4. Increased risk of infections and illnesses *Way Forward* To address the high prevalence of anemia among children and women of reproductive age, the Indian government and stakeholders must prioritize nutrition and health interventions. Some strategies include: 1. Iron and folic acid supplementation programs for pregnant women and children 2. Promotion of iron-rich foods and dietary diversification 3. Improved access to healthcare services, including antenatal care and childhood immunizations 4. Education and awareness campaigns to promote healthy nutrition and lifestyle practices By working together to address the root causes of anemia, we can reduce the prevalence of this condition and improve the health, well-being, and productivity of India's children and women of reproductive age.

Our second module of our self-paced course "Menstruation in a Global Context: Addressing Policies and Practice" reviews existing menstrual health research and is joined by global experts from Save the Children and UNICEF! 🔗 https://bit.ly/3SxL3GI

Ananya Asad from PP Bangladesh highlights how mainstreaming menstrual health across policies, programmes, and practices could accelerate progress towards United Nations SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing. Over March, PP will be sharing shorts from our global volunteers to demonstrate how menstrual health is a cross-cutting issue. #menstrualhealth #menstruation #globalhealth #humanrights #sdgs #sdgs2030 #sdg3 #womenleaders #womenleadership