Kenyan Ministry of Health Pledges Enhanced Menstrual Health on Global Menstrual Hygiene Day

Nairobi, Kenya – May 28, 2024 - Today, as Menstrual Hygiene Day is commemorated globally, the Ministry of Health in Kenya reaffirms its unwavering commitment to enhancing menstrual health and hygiene nationwide. 

This year’s theme, "Making Kenya Period-Friendly," underscores the imperative of ensuring every woman and girl can manage menstruation with dignity and safety. 

 According to Mary Muthoni Muriuki, Principal Secretary of the state department of Public Health and Professional Standards in the Ministry of Health, challenges persist, necessitating sustained support and improvement efforts. 

 Kenya launched its Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Policy in May 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, marking significant progress in integrating MHM into various government initiatives. 

 Research conducted in 2016 by the Ministry of Health highlights significant challenges faced by Kenyan girls and women regarding menstrual health and hygiene. 

Key findings include limited access to menstrual hygiene products, which has been associated with risky sexual behavior and hindered education, particularly due to poor Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) conditions in schools.

 "We have made significant strides in providing accurate information on menstruation and promoting affordable access to quality menstrual products and sanitation facilities," stated Muthoni. "Sustainable menstrual waste management practices have been implemented through initiatives such as the 'Epuka Uchafu Campaign,'" she added. 

 Crucial partnerships with organizations like USAID, Amref, and UNICEF have supported county-level implementation of the MHM policy. "We issue a call to action to organizations and implementers to support county-level implementation of the MHM Policy and advocate for its full implementation by the National Government," Muthoni emphasized. 

 "Opportunities for partnership and collaboration abound, aimed at strengthening the market base for MHM products and services," she continued. The Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an enabling environment where every woman and girl can manage menstruation with dignity and safety, envisioning a future where menstruation is not a barrier to education, health, or empowerment.