Chiefs to support menstrual hygiene

Chiefs in Mzimba District have pledged to support menstrual hygiene to end stigma associated with menses, especially in schools.

Speaking on Wednesday during the 2022 World Menstrual Hygiene Day commemoration at Chitokoto Primary School in the district, Traditional Authority Jalavikuba pledged to promote menstrual hygiene in the area.

He said he will engage fellow traditional leaders to work with mother groups who support girls in schools with sanitary pads.

The chief also said he will mobilise resources to build change rooms in schools.

“It is no longer a taboo to discuss sexual health issues, including menstruation,” said Jalavikuba.

Ministry of Health deputy director of preventive health services Allone Ganizani said they will continue working in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to ensure that every school has changing rooms for girls.

“We are aware that many schools do not have change rooms, which forces girls to abscond classes during their menses,” he said.

Mzimba North District Education Office figures show that  out of 284 schools in the district, only 53 have change rooms. 

World Menstrual Hygiene Day falls on May 28 and this year, the day was commemorated under the theme ‘Making Menstruation a Normal Fact of Life by 2030’ and was localised to ‘Committed to Promote Menstrual Hygiene for all by 2030’. n