On February 24, UNFPA handed over a consignment of Menstrual Health Management commodities (Reusable Sanitary Towels) for girls and mothers in refugee hosting districts. 

UNFPA contributed 39,215 reusable sanitary pads worth USD 200,000 (UGX 720,000,000) to fill a gap in provision of menstrual health hygiene commodities in refugee hosting districts which has a refugee population of over 1.5 million people. 

The items were handed over to Ms. Enid Ochieng Senior Protection Officer UNHCR Uganda by Deputy Representative UNFPA Uganda Mr. Daniel Alemu. Ms. Ochieng represented UNHCR Deputy Representative Jason Alan Hepps.

“UNFPA considers the needs of menstruating women and girls as a fundamental rights issue and is committed to create a world where no woman or girl is prevented from accomplishing her potential due to her menstrual period,” Mr. Alemu said at the handover ceremony that took place at the UNFPA offices in Kampala.

The Deputy Representative said in Uganda, lack of access to sanitary pads has been recognized as one of the drivers of school absenteeism and consequent dropout, exposing girls to teenage pregnancy and early marriage. 

He said women and girls may be excluded from daily activities because of stigma, shame or discrimination or because they are considered unclean. In others, menarche may lead to child marriage or sexual violence because it signals a girl is ready for motherhood or sexual activity.

“Displacement because of conflict or climate disaster has robbed women and girls of their dignity when they have difficulty managing their periods and this exacerbates their vulnerability,” Mr. Alemu said.

Ms. Ochieng appreciated the gesture exhibited by UNFPA which she said demonstrates the spirit of delivering as One UN. 

In conclusion, Mr Alemu reiterated UNFPA’s commitment to continue supporting the Government of Uganda towards ensuring access to quality sexual and reproductive health services including menstrual health. 

- Written by Evelyn Matsamura Kiapi