Background/Objectives
Menstrual Health (MH) is an integral part of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Recent findings from LMICs suggest that < 50% of women reported having everything needed to manage their periods. This has spurred interest in demonstrating MH's importance as determinant of SRHR, especially relating to biological/sociocultural barriers experienced by girls. In addition, "contraceptive-induced menstrual bleeding changes" and its influences on non-use, discontinuation, and resultant anxieties about the effects of contraceptives has led to a missed opportunity in meeting adolescent needs for SRHR.
Materials
The USAID/YPE4AH project piloted integration of MH into its existing FP program for adolescents 15-19 years in urban slums in Lagos and Kano, starting March 2022. Program approach (including GBV/Substance Abuse) was pivoted to deploy channels reaching adolescents with MH services/products, while providing SRH services within safe spaces, and through community events. Menstrual pads were donated by USAID through Kimberly Clark Corporation. Evidence is provided through routine and qualitative data from beneficiaries.
Results
From March-September 2022, the project has distributed 10,808 menstrual-pads to 2,263 girls. This has also coincided with >150 percent increase in adolescents being available for FP counselling and those that took FP methods between October-March 2022 (2,220; 1,166) and April-August 2022 (5,713; 2,964). Qualitative findings also revealed the improved well-being and positive change of outlook of adolescent girls towards life, especially in Kano state.
Conclusion
While attribution may be a challenge, integrating MH into existing adolescent program increases the ability of young girls to have all their needs met, improves agency, autonomy, and rights. These early years of menstruation present an opportunity to introduce RH knowledge early and provide a safe route to FP uptake (especially in Kano). Thus, signifying an opportunity for future programming that aim to provide a youth-responsive health system that offer integrated SRHR services.
