Family Medical Point held a community outreach at Entebbe Girls School in Kigungu on 31st May 2024 to sensitize the school girls and teachers on menstrual hygiene management.
The engagement which was used to commemorate the World Menstrual Hygiene Day was attended by 223 school girls and 10 teachers including health education talks which aimed to provide in-depth health education, an educational film to highlight the dangers of unplanned or unsafe early sexual behavior and the importance of seeking support on sexual reproductive health related challenges. Basic life support training to equip students with practical skills to respond to emergencies, creating a safer environment within schools and communities will also be conducted.
National statistics and FMP’s reports indicate nearly 50% of girls who drop out of school in fishing communities are as a result of inadequate access to menstrual hygiene management commodities and information. The outreach introduced menstrual cups to the school girls as a cost-effective alternative to the one-use pads. A menstrual cup is reusable and can last for five years.
The engagement was student led, allowing the learners to express themselves and ask FMP’s team questions that they had. During the engagement, Sharon Nabwire, a student leader at the school, inquired on why male teachers avoid talking about menstruation. The school head teacher, Mr. Kyewalabye Usaama, thanked FMP for bringing the outreach to their school, it was educative. He said “We hope to have more informative engagements with FMP in the coming years”
The sensitization was born from FMP’s strong believe that when girls understand their bodies and have the tools to manage their menstrual health, they are more likely to stay in school and reach their full potential.
The impact of this initiative extended beyond the school walls garnering significant media attention, with four stories published across various outlets. This media coverage raises public awareness about the importance of MHM education and normalizes conversations around menstruation periods. (https://www.pmldaily.com/features/health/2024/06/family-medical-point-tips-entebbe-girls-school-on-menstrual-hygiene-management.html , https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/men-asked-to-engage-in-menstrual-hygiene-education-4644076 , https://eagle.co.ug/2024/06/04/more-than-60-of-women-contract-infections-during-their-menstrual-periods-family-medical-point/ , https://nilepost.co.ug/health/202440/girls-in-entebbe-fishing-communities-get-free-menstrual-cups)
FMP was joined by partners IWAY Community Development Network who conducted a film show to the students to educate them about the dangers of engaging in early sexual behavior, and Fairies Aid who provided students and teachers with basic life support training to equip students with practical skills to respond to emergencies.
As we reflect on the success of the menstrual hygiene day, we remain committed to advancing girls education through promoting access to accurate SRHR information and services.
