The government on Sunday launched a project to improve menstrual health management for adolescent girls and women in Cox’s Bazar.
The project is being funded by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) with the aim of helping the most vulnerable population of the district to strengthen their understanding of menstrual health management. It was inaugurated in a ceremony at the Sayeman Beach Resort, according to a press release.
Protecting the health, hygiene, and dignity of girls is instrumental in achieving the UNFPA’s and KOICA’s mandate of a world where every young person’s potential is fulfilled, it said.
The project will showcase the active involvement and participation of women, boys, men, parents, community leaders - including religious leaders and women leaders, as well as caregivers - in improving the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls in Cox’s Bazar.
It will be implemented in both Rohingya refugee camps and host community locations, with the direct beneficiaries being 17,160 adolescent girls and boys, women and caregivers. About 1,500 others in Cox’s Bazar will benefit indirectly.
“We highly value this partnership and the precious contribution of KOICA to UNFPA in the menstrual health management for adolescent girls and women in Cox’s Bazar,” said Md Abdus Salam Khan, joint secretary of the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division under the Health Ministry.
“It is essential to focus on the health and well-being of adolescent girls, as they lack access to sanitary facilities and menstrual products and supplies. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare continues to stand ready to support the creation of a healthier world, where women play a change-making role in Bangladesh,” he added.
Dr Eiko Narita, deputy country representative of UNFPA Bangladesh, stressed the need to remove the stigma attached to menstruation.
KOICA Bangladesh Country Director Youngah Doh said: “Cultural norms and religious taboos on menstruation are often closely associated with traditional thinking surrounding shame and embarrassment. KOICA envisions a world where there is no obstacle for women and girls in maintaining their menstrual hygiene in a private, safe, and dignified manner.”
Under the project, which is set to run till 2024, girls and female caregivers will learn to produce reusable menstrual pads while men and adolescent boys will improve their knowledge and understanding of gender equality and menstrual health.