Integrating Menstrual Health

Abstract

Menstruation is a natural and important part of
the reproductive cycle, approximately half of the
human population has or will experience it.
Menstrual health (MH) is an integral part of sexual
and reproductive health. Yet shame, stigma and
misinformation around the menstrual life cycle
undermine the well-being of women, girls, and
people who menstruate, leaving them vulnerable
to gender-based discrimination, child marriage,
exclusion, violence, poverty, and untreated health
problems. The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted
health delivery systems on a scale that has ushered
in a new world. An estimated 1.8 billion women,
girls, and gender non-binary people menstruate
despite lockdown, restrictions on social mobility,
stock outs, supply chain disruptions, lack of
essential menstrual supplies, safe access to
bathrooms, soap, water, and privacy. One in ten
women in Africa skipped school when they
menstruated, and too many girls struggled with
chronic poverty. The year 2020 brought
unprecedented disruption and change due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, impacting various aspects
of people's lives worldwide, including MH
management. Despite these circumstances, an
estimated 1.8 billion menstruating individuals
faced difficulties in accessing essential menstrual
supplies, safe facilities, and basic hygiene
resources like soap and water. This lack of access
has particularly affected girls' education and
perpetuated chronic poverty