Nigeria Unveils Landmark Menstrual Health Policy to Address Stigma and Inequality
In a groundbreaking move, the Nigerian government has launched its first National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM), aiming to tackle the persistent social stigma and health challenges faced by millions of adolescent girls and women in the country. The policy, which was unveiled at a recent meeting in collaboration with stakeholders, seeks to ensure that menstruation no longer hinders the rights, opportunities, or wellbeing of any woman or girl.
According to Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, a staggering 7.3 million adolescent girls and women in Nigeria suffer from undernutrition, with 55% of them affected by anaemia. This condition can be exacerbated by poor menstrual hygiene and the lack of affordable sanitary products.
“The recent waivers on sanitary towels by President Bola Tinubu demonstrate his deep sensitivity to gender and public health matters,” said Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by Permanent Secretary Dr Maryam Keshinro. “Menstruation is a normal biological process that should never be a source of shame, stigma, or economic hardship. No woman should be hindered in her personal or professional development because of menstruation; and no community should sustain stigma or exclusion linked to it.”
Women aged 15 to 49 constitute about 25 to 30% of Nigeria’s population, and the Minister emphasized the need to address the unique challenges they face. “Alarmingly, 15% of girls aged 15 to 19 are already mothers or pregnant, and over 7.3 million adolescent girls and women suffer from undernutrition. With 55% affected by anaemia, conditions that can be exacerbated by poor menstrual hygiene and lack of affordable sanitary products,” she stated.
Acting Country Representative of Population Services International (PSI) in Nigeria, Mrs Fifi Ogbondeminu, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, noting that the policy marks a milestone towards ensuring that menstruation is no longer a silent burden but an issue addressed with dignity, empathy, and urgency. Ogbondeminu, represented by Dr Abdulhameed Adediran, emphasized the need to ensure the availability of low-cost menstrual products across rural and urban areas.
The successful implementation of the MHHM policy will require strong collaboration across sectors, political will, and active participation from states, communities, and development partners. By addressing the menstrual health and hygiene needs of its citizens, Nigeria is taking a crucial step towards promoting human rights, gender equality, and development. As the country moves forward with this landmark policy, it is expected that the lives of millions of adolescent girls and women will be positively impacted, and the stigma surrounding menstruation will gradually fade away.
