WHO Prioritizes Menstrual Health on its Global Agenda
The WHO and the UN Special Program on Human Reproduction (HRP) are prioritizing menstrual health on their global agenda. Both organizations have committed to include menstrual health in national policies, advocate for access to water and sanitation and provide comprehensive health coverage.
Menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) involves multiple areas of menstrual hygiene, encompassing issues such as health, well-being, gender equality, education, empowerment of girls and adolescent women and the protection of their rights, according to the State of Mexico’s government. The concept acknowledges the significance of not only addressing the physical aspects of menstruation but also considering the broader impact it has on individuals' lives.
WHO has identified five action points, developed tools for healthcare workers and integrated menstrual health education into sexuality education. The goal is to strengthen the health sector response and advance menstrual health in various settings. Ongoing discussions and initiatives continue to drive progress in the field of menstrual health.
For example, during the UN Water Summit in March 2023, WHO and HRP, in collaboration with UNFPA, UNICEF, UNESCO, Global Menstrual Health Collective and Columbia University, pledged their support for menstrual health by making commitments to the Water Action Agenda. These commitments aim to encourage countries to incorporate promotive, preventative and curative health services into their national policies for achieving universal health coverage, as well as ensuring access to sufficient water supply and sanitation. Having access to safe water, proper sanitation facilities and menstrual materials is crucial for leading a dignified life and upholding human rights worldwide.
Unfortunately, in different states of Mexico, concerning statistics reflect the challenges faced by girls and adolescents. Approximately 30% of girls and adolescents resort to using toilet paper instead of sanitary pads, while 64% of them report a lack of sanitary pads in their schools. Furthermore, 66% of girls perceive their school bathrooms as dirty and 73% of girls, boys and teenagers mentioned washing their hands without soap, which is an essential element for hygiene, according to studies by Essity and UNICEF.
Individuals in poverty-stricken situations face additional barriers. Shockingly, 42% of teenage girls report missing school during their menstruation, while economically disadvantaged women spend 2.5 times more on hygiene products compared to others, as reported by UNICEF. To face this, in 2022, the Chamber of Deputies implemented a measure declaring menstrual products as tax-exempt items, recognizing their essential nature rather than categorizing them as luxury goods, as reported by MBN.
The exemption of taxes on menstrual products marked a significant milestone for menstrual health in Mexico. While this achievement is noteworthy, it is important to recognize that there is still much progress needed to effectively address and eradicate menstrual poverty. Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed on May 28, serves as a platform to raise awareness and promote dialogue about menstrual hygiene.