Integrating menstrual health in SRHR, public health and multi-sectoral policies, strategies and frameworks

We, the members of the African Coalition for Menstrual Health Management (ACMHM) and the global menstrual health and hygiene collective (MHH Collective) commit to mobilise at least 30 governments to address menstrual health within sexual and reproductive health (SRHR), public health and multisectoral policies, strategies and frameworks by 2025, as part of universal health coverage and the ICPD post-25 agenda.

In many parts of the world, menstruation is still shrouded with shame and stigma with many girls and women feeling discriminated against when they menstruate. Around the world, there are reported cases of ‘period shaming’ that result in drastic psychological, social and economic consequences.

Providing girls, women and people who menstruate with the necessary information, resources, skills, social support, and water, sanitation, waste disposal and health facilities required to manage their menstrual needs and other types of vaginal bleeding through the life course from menarche to menopause is important for their health, well-being, mobility, educational and economic empowerment, and dignity.

MHM integration will facilitate inclusive and gender-transformative policies and programmes, challenging harmful gender and social norms which inhibit women, girls and people who menstruate from making informed and independent decisions about their health and bodies. The integration in Education through comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is an ideal entry point. Finally, no one must be left behind when addressing menstrual health, in development and in humanitarian contexts.

Modes of engagement:

• Policy and guidance
  To provide evidence and policy guidance for the integration of menstrual health management (MHM) into SRHR and Public Health programmes, in development and humanitarian settings.
• Programmatic action
  Strengthen gender-transformative programming integrating menstruation in SRHR and Public Health, challenging harmful gender & social norms inhibiting people who menstruate from making informed and independent decisions about their health and bodies.