WaterAid Nigeria has urged the federal government to promptly implement the country’s first National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management, recently approved.

WaterAid Nigeria’s country director, Evelyn Mere, made the call in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Ms Mere congratulated the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the National Technical Working Group on MHHM, and other stakeholders on developing and approving the policy.

She said the approval was a significant milestone in promoting menstrual health, dignity, gender equality and the rights of women and girls.

According to her, the policy provides a framework for addressing challenges such as inadequate access to accurate information, safe and affordable menstrual products, and appropriate sanitation and hygiene facilities.

She said it would also promote supportive environments in schools, workplaces and communities to ensure that menstruation did not hinder the health, education and participation of women and girls.

Ms Mere attributed the policy’s development to collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, technical experts and other stakeholders.

She said WaterAid Nigeria contributed through the engagement of a consultant, organisation of consultative sessions and participation in the validation of the draft policy.

Ms Mere said the organisation was pleased that its contributions had helped produce a policy that would integrate menstrual health and hygiene management into Nigeria’s national development agenda.

She urged the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the TWG, and other stakeholders to translate the policy provisions into actionable plans and strengthen accountability for implementation at all levels.

“With the MHHM Policy now approved, the federal government and all stakeholders must widely disseminate it and diligently follow through by ensuring the adequate deployment of human, material and financial resources for result-oriented implementation.

“This will ensure that menstrual products are available, accessible and affordable so that every woman and girl in Nigeria can manage menstruation safely, with dignity and without stigma,” she said.

Ms Mere reaffirmed WaterAid Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive policymaking, institutional strengthening, and creating an enabling environment where women and girls can manage menstruation safely, confidently, and without stigma.

(NAN)