Period poverty exposes vulnerable girls to HIV

A top government health official has warned that continued lack of access to menstrual hygiene products for women and girls poses serious health and socio-economic consequences, including exposure to HIV and increased school drop-out rates.

Speaking at a media engagement in Gweru on Wednesday to mark Menstrual Health Day, Midlands provincial medical director Dr Mary Muchekeza said period poverty remains a major public health concern affecting thousands of girls across Zimbabwe.

"Lack of access to sanitary pads forces most of them to miss school, increasing the likelihood of dropping out," Muchekeza said.

She said some vulnerable girls were resorting to transactional or trans-generational sex to afford basic menstrual hygiene products, a practice that undermines their ability to negotiate safe sex and increases the risk of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and even cervical cancer.

The event was organised by the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care as part of efforts to raise awareness and advocate for improved menstrual hygiene.

Menstrual Health Day, commemorated globally on May 28, aims to end stigma surrounding menstruation and push for policies and interventions to eliminate period poverty.

Muchekeza emphasized that menstrual health should be treated as a human rights and dignity issue, adding that improved access would lead to healthier and more empowered communities.

"By prioritising menstrual health hygiene, our communities can foster sustainable practices, promote human dignity, and create a better future for everyone," she said.

She also called on journalists to be responsible in their reporting and support menstrual health initiatives through accurate and advocacy-driven coverage.

AHF prevention programme manager Clever Taderera announced that the foundation aims to provide one million girls across Zimbabwe with free sanitary pads.

"In Manicaland province, we have already trained girls and equipped them with machinery to produce their own sanitary pads," Taderera said.

This year's Menstrual Health Day was held under the theme: "Together for a Period Friendly World."

The initiative highlighted the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships in addressing period poverty and ensuring menstrual dignity for all girls and women.