Commemorating both 3rd Global Menstrual Hygiene Day 2016 and International Women’s Health Day which falls on May 28 annually, Family Planning Association (FPA) of India, Nagaland branch, in association with Sanitary Napkins Production Unit under Science and Technology Dept, Government of Nagaland, conducted two Menstrual Hygiene Management awareness program at Mezoma village on May 28.
During the programs counsellor, FPA India, Ville Rhetso, briefed about Menstrual Hygiene Day and International Women’s Health Day. She reminded the first global Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD) was observed on May 28 2014, initiated by German-based NGO WASH United (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) earlier in 2013 and became a global awareness day dedicated exclusively to putting the spotlight on menstrual hygiene which aimed at breaking the silence around menstruation. Keeping the year theme “Menstruation Matters To Everyone, Everywhere” she cited Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) as a trigger for better, stronger development of women and girls: personal, educational and professional.
Kikrusetono Nisa (M&E Officer) enlightened girls and women’s on human rights that enable women’s and girls’ to manage their menstrual hygiene adequately, with normalcy and in dignity.
She shared human rights enable women and girls to access clean water, good health, sanitation, education, gender equality and healthy environment at home, schools and workplace.
Also speaking at the program, project supervisor, Sanitary Napkins Production Unit, Mereena Domeh, spoke about sanitary napkins production by the department. She said of all over North East the project was running only in Guwahati and Kohima and has been benefitting a large cross section of women in our state. Staff nurse, Thejaseno Ltu, also explained the female reproductive system and its function to the villagers.
Further, Dr. Vizokholie Keyho (MO PHC) exhorted the participants on the value and importance of good health & hygiene.
Earlier, ASHA worker, Kenei, chaired the program at Mezoma village. Besides good health awareness program, participants in both the programs were made to write on postcards why ‘menstruation matters’ to them, The other highlights of the program include free sanitary napkins distribution by Science and Technology Department, Lab services (HIV, Hepatitis B & C) counselling and testing and family planning devices were provided to the women folk.
Culminating the program, Mezoma village health chairman, Kedoneizo Lhousa, thanked the FPAI team for organizing the good health awareness program in Mezoma.