WaterAid Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to urgently implement the country’s first National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM), following its recent approval.

The organisation’s Country Director, Evelyn Mere, made the appeal in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, while congratulating the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the National Technical Working Group on MHHM and other stakeholders involved in developing and approving the policy.

Mere described the approval as a major milestone towards advancing menstrual health, protecting the dignity of women and girls, promoting gender equality and safeguarding their rights.

She explained that the policy establishes a framework for tackling persistent challenges affecting menstrual health management, including limited access to reliable information, safe and affordable menstrual products, and suitable sanitation and hygiene facilities.

According to her, the framework will also encourage the creation of supportive environments across schools, workplaces and communities, ensuring that menstruation does not become a barrier to the health, education and participation of women and girls.

Mere attributed the successful development of the policy to the collective efforts of government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, technical experts and other stakeholders.

She noted that WaterAid Nigeria supported the process by engaging a consultant, organising consultative sessions and participating in the validation of the draft policy.

The Country Director expressed satisfaction that the organisation’s contributions had helped deliver a policy capable of integrating menstrual health and hygiene management into Nigeria’s national development agenda.

However, she emphasised the need for the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Technical Working Group and other stakeholders to move beyond policy approval by developing practical implementation plans and strengthening accountability mechanisms across all levels.

“With the MHHM Policy now approved, the federal government and all stakeholders must widely disseminate it and diligently follow through by ensuring the adequate deployment of human, material and financial resources for result-oriented implementation.

“This will ensure that menstrual products are available, accessible and affordable so that every woman and girl in Nigeria can manage menstruation safely, with dignity and without stigma,” she said.

Mere also reiterated WaterAid Nigeria’s commitment to promoting inclusive policymaking, strengthening institutions and supporting the development of an enabling environment where women and girls can manage menstruation safely, confidently and without stigma.

Source: Peoples Gazette