CommuTalk Reporter
GWERU – Health experts and advocates have raised alarm over the global crisis of period poverty, which affects more than 500 million people worldwide.
Although menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by nearly 2 billion women, many still face limited access to menstrual hygiene products, safe sanitation facilities, and supportive environments.
Speaking during Menstrual Health Day media breakfast meeting, Midlands Provincial Medical Director, Dr Mary Muchekeza called for urgent action to tackle the far-reaching consequences of period poverty on health, education, and human dignity.
“Period poverty exposes vulnerable girls to increased risks of HIV infection due to transactional sex,” said Dr Muchekeza.
“The lack of access to sanitary products often forces girls to miss school, which can lead to dropping out and becoming more susceptible to unsafe relationships and sexual exploitation.”
She emphasized that period poverty should be treated as a critical public health concern, noting its strong links to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8, which are health, education, gender equality, clean water, sanitation and economic growth.
Dr Muchekeza also underscored the crucial role the media plays in combating period poverty and breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation.
“The media has the power to keep menstrual health and HIV-related issues in the public discourse,” she said.
“By highlighting the stories of those affected, promoting open dialogue, and influencing policymakers, journalists can help foster a more inclusive and supportive society.”
Clever Taderera, Prevention Programme Manager for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, added that the persistent taboos, misinformation, and cultural barriers surrounding menstruation, which he said contribute to both period poverty and the spread of HIV.
“We have also launched a campaign to provide reusable period pants to one million girls across the country.”
Gweru District AIDS Coordinator, Petros Mazengwa, further described period poverty as a major issue in the city, adding that his office has previously procured menstrual products for disadvantaged girls as part of its community support programmes.
Menstrual Health Day, first observed in 2014, is commemorated annually on May 28 to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene, advocate for policy change, and challenge the stigma surrounding menstruation.
