Hope Amidst The Mud: Transforming Lives Through Menstrual Hygiene Management in Kisumu

On May 24, 2024, amidst the lingering puddles from recent floods, Ombaka Primary School in Nyando Sub County, Kisumu County, became a beacon of hope and transformation. The evidence of the flood’s devastation was still visible, but the community gathered with a renewed sense of purpose as the Head of the Malaria Branch at CGHR, Dr. Simon Kariuki and his team led a vital outreach program in collaboration with the Kisumu County Ministry of Health, the Red Cross, and the local National Government Administrative leadership including area chief.

In addition to their ongoing medical efforts, the team focused on a critical yet often overlooked issue: Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM). Menstrual health is defined not just by the absence of disease but by complete physical, mental, and social well-being concerning the menstrual cycle. Recognizing the profound impact of menstrual health on the lives of adolescent girls, the team, along with Clara Akello from the CCG study and Becky Obuya representing KEMRI CGHR, donated sanitary towels to the pupils of Ogenya Primary and Ombaka Primary schools.

The outreach included comprehensive talks on menstrual hygiene and health management, covering essential topics such as water sanitation, hygiene facilities, menstrual products, proper disposal of pads, and the risks of infections due to poor management. The sessions aimed to equip girls with the knowledge and resources they need to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.

Clara Akello, a counselor from the CCG study, emphasized the importance of these sessions: “Adolescence is a critical time of psychological and biological change, proper menstrual hygiene management is crucial for protecting girls against sexual and reproductive health harms, which are disproportionately high among adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa,” she intimated.

The lack of menstrual products often forces girls into vulnerable situations. Shockingly, about 10 percent of 15-year-old girls in western Kenya report engaging in transactional sex to obtain necessities like soap, sanitary products, and underwear. By providing these essential products, the outreach program aimed to reduce this vulnerability and empower girls to stay in school and focus on their education.

The impact of the donations and the educational talks was immediately evident. Mary, a pupil at Ombaka Primary, shared her relief and gratitude: “With these sanitary towels, I can come to school every day without worrying, I feel confident and ready to learn”. Her words highlighted the direct link between access to menstrual products and educational attendance and performance.

The outreach also addressed broader aspects of menstrual health. Becky Obuya from KEMRI CGHR explained, “We taught the girls about the body changes they will experience and how to handle them, understanding these changes is key to their physical and mental well-being.” This holistic approach ensures that the girls are not only equipped with products but also with the knowledge to manage their menstrual health proactively.

The donations of sanitary towels by the CCG study staff and KEMRI CGHR were more than just practical assistance— they were symbols of support and empowerment for the young women of the community.

Dr. Simon Kariuki, reflecting on the day’s events, said, “Seeing these girls empowered to manage their menstrual health with confidence aligns perfectly with our vision of a healthier, more educated community… this is the essence of our mission at KEMRI”.

His words underscored the transformative power of health initiatives that go beyond treating diseases to addressing the fundamental needs of the community.

As the community of Nyando Sub-County continues to recover from the floods, the efforts of Dr. Kariuki and his team provide a shining example of compassion and action. By addressing menstrual hygiene management, they are not only improving health outcomes but also fostering a generation of confident, educated young women who can contribute positively to their communities.