Menstrual Hygiene Management

Results from MHM operational research in four Eastern African countries showed improvements in dignity, health and knowledge after the distribution of MHM Kits and promotion of menstrual hygiene.

Findings highlighted the importance of appropriate facilities, including safe and private spaces for maintain hygiene and washing, changing and drying pads.

Details can be found here:

MHM Case Study V5b digital

Improving Menstrual Hygiene Management in Emergencies: IFRC’s MHM Kit

This study is one in a series of 15 case studies, undertaken by ALNAP in partnership with ELRHAs Humanitarian Innovation Fund (HIF), exploring the dynamics of successful innovation processes in humanitarian action. They examine what good practice in humanitarian innovation looks like ,m what approaches and tools organisations have used to innovate in the humanitarian system, what the barriers to innovation are for individual organisations , and how they can be overcome.

IFRC pilots projects were initiated in Madagascar, Somaliland and Uganda with funding from Humanitarian Innovation Fund (HIF) and British Red Cross with an aim of testing the kits in a wider range of locations and contexts. The overall goal of the pilot and scale-up projects was to improve the dignity of women and adolescent girls during emergency situations by exploring the appropriateness, effectiveness, acceptability and value of MHM Kits in emergencies thus providing evidence based information for inclusion of MHM kits as a specific humanitarian relief item.

IFRC’s MHM Kit specifications
Menstrual Hygiene Management Kit details

IFRCs HIF project “Improving Menstrual Hygiene Management in Emergencies” ran from October 2014 until March 2016 and was implemented by Red cross/ crescent in Somalia, Madagascar and Uganda. Although menstrual hygiene management is not a live death issue in emergency settings, it has profound impact upon women and adolescent girls -their dignity -their dignity, hygiene , health, education, protection and security- and there are consequential risks from not addressing it. Lack of provision and facilities during menstrual period (latrines, bathing areas, private drying areas) can lead to shame and embarrassment, possible gender-based violence, infection, loss of mobility and decreased school attendance. Whilst these issues, and the cultural practices associated with menstruation, face millions of poor women across the developing world , needs are particularly acute in emergency settings where women have very few resources.

The HIF grant was for the implement stage of the innovation cycle and funded and operational research , part of this stages is this the evaluation done in June 2017.

HIF IFRC Menstrual Hygiene Management in Emergency evaluation
HIF external recent evaluations

Menstrual Hygiene Management in Emergencies: Consolidated Report

In an effort to address the multi-faceted nature of MHM as well as contribute to the limited evidence base for MHM interventions in emergencies, IFRC initiated a pilot operational research project in Burundi around MHM in emergencies in 2012 (completed in 2013), supported by the Norwegian, Netherlands and British Red Cross Societies.

Case study and results from pilot research on MHM kits in Bwagiriza refugee camp, Burundi, 2013

IEC materials (English, French, Kiswahili and Kirundi) have been developed for disposable and reusable sanitary pads.

They include general information on menstruation, personal hygiene, as well as use, care and disposal.

Download them by clicking on the links below!