28th May 2024- India has witnessed a promising shift in the landscape of menstrual hygiene management over the years. The fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2019-2020) revealed that about eight out of ten young women aged 15-24 years are now using safe menstrual hygiene products. This is a significant improvement, reflecting growing awareness and better access to menstrual hygiene resources. As we approach May 28, World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024, it’s important to continue this progress by raising awareness and busting myths about menstruation, commonly called periods.
The Importance of Menstrual Hygiene Day
World Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28, was initiated by the German non-profit organization WASH United in 2013. This day aims to break the silence and combat the stigma surrounding menstruation. It also emphasizes the importance of good menstrual hygiene to maintain overall health. WASH United, as the global coordinator and international secretariat for Menstrual Hygiene Day, guides the strategy, creates campaign materials, manages communications, and represents Menstrual Hygiene Day at various events. The organization coordinates a network of over 1,000 partner organizations worldwide.
The Theme for 2024: #PeriodFriendlyWorld
The theme for World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 is PeriodFriendlyWorld. This theme encapsulates the vision of a world where every woman can manage their menstruation hygienically, safely, and with dignity. It calls for an inclusive society where menstruation is not stigmatized, and where both men and women are educated about menstrual health and hygiene.
Why Menstrual Hygiene Matters
Maintaining good menstrual hygiene is crucial for several reasons. Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to a host of health issues, including urinary infections, fungal infections, and reproductive tract infections. Unclean sanitary napkins can make women more prone to these infections and even lead to infertility.
Furthermore, not washing hands with soap after changing sanitary napkins can lead to yeast infections or Hepatitis B. It’s equally important to wash hands before changing sanitary napkins to prevent introducing bacteria to the genital area.
Key Practices for Good Menstrual Hygiene
Use Clean Sanitary Products: Choose sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups based on personal comfort and convenience. Ensure they are stored in a clean place and changed regularly.
Hand Hygiene: Always wash hands with soap and water before and after changing sanitary products. This simple practice can significantly reduce the risk of infections.
Regular Changing of Sanitary Products: Change sanitary pads every 4-6 hours and tampons every 4-8 hours to prevent bacterial growth and infections.
Proper Disposal: Dispose of used sanitary products hygienically. Wrap them in paper or a sanitary disposal bag before discarding them in a bin.
Personal Hygiene: Bathe regularly and clean the genital area with mild soap and water. Avoid using scented products that can irritate.
Breaking the Stigma
Despite being a natural biological process, menstruation is still surrounded by myths and taboos in many societies. Menstrual Hygiene Day aims to bust these myths and create an open dialogue about periods. Educating both men and women about menstruation is essential to combat the stigma and ensure that menstruators receive the support and understanding they need.
Conclusion
As we gear up to celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024, let’s commit to creating a #PeriodFriendlyWorld. By promoting good menstrual hygiene practices and breaking down the stigma surrounding menstruation, we can ensure that everyone with a uterus can manage their periods safely and with dignity.
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