RWENZORI RURAL HEALTH SERVICES : Girl Child

Menstrual Hygiene and School Sanitation in Young Girls

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RRHS -Staff Training pupils on making re-usable menstrual pads.

In the year 2012/2014, Rwenzori Rural Health Services, in partnership with SNV--Uganda/FCDE- trained pupils to make re-usable menstrual pads. Advise your school to contact us for technical advice. Email us for more information at: ruralservices60@gmail.com

CONCEPT PAPER ON Menstrual Hygiene and School Sanitation

Rwenzori Rural Health Services -RRHS -commissioned a study to assess the impact of menstrual hygiene, school sanitation and hygiene interventions on class attendance and retention of menstruating girls in rural Ugandan primary schools. Focus group discussions with 12 to 17-year-old girls from 20 primary schools in Kasese District brought to light how facilities in schools were addressing menstrual hygiene. They also gave pupils an opportunity to share their experiences and make recommendations on what needs to change.

Most of the girls said they used old cloths that they got from their mothers, while others used nappies from their younger siblings. In emergencies the girls opted for handkerchiefs until they could get home and devise other means. The younger girls found the older ones very helpful because they usually carried an extra old cloth that they would willingly share with their friends in need, but this practice poses a serious threat of infection. For the majority, the only alternative was to stay home during their menses, opting to remain in bed or sit in basins to avoid buying pads or using old rags.

"We have never had open discussion about menstrual hygiene with the girls, even though our girls experience constant menstrual problems. Personally, I have never discussed issues of menstrual hygiene with my daughter who is in primary six, even though I am sure she must have started her menses. The menstrual hygiene management training has given me skills and the courage to engage my girl and help her go through this normal woman issue". Mrs. Mary Kuule, member parent teachers association Kilhambayiro primary school, Kasese district.

RRHS is addressing this issue in 20 primary schools with support from SNV and FCDE by facilitating training sessions in schools to equip adolescent girls and boys, teachers, and parents with basic skills on how to make low-cost re-usable menstrual pads (RUMPS) with locally available materials. Boys have also been taught about menstrual health and involved in RUMPs activities so as to reduce the social stigma surrounding menstruation. This new approach towards menstrual hygiene has empowered girls and women with skills to better their health. Today, more than 4866 pupils in 20 primary schools in Kasese District have been trained to make and use reusable menstrual pads. For more information email to us: ruralservices60@gmail.com


RRHS is encouraging School management committees to construct wash rooms for Girls while at school

Pupils undergoing menstrual management training.

Rwenzori Rural Health Services, is working directly with ten child lead health clubs in ten rural primary schools. These school health clubs basically promote Sanitation and Hygiene in schools. The school health clubs, often visit communities around to promote good health. You are advised to come and share with us.