09/12/2023
Regional Workshop on Inclusive Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) Toolkit in Humanitarian Settings
Addis Ababa, Dec. 08, 2023: PMC-E hosts a Regional Familiarization Workshop on Inclusive Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) Toolkit in Humanitarian Settings, generously supported by UNICEF. Dr. Hailegnaw Eshete, Country Director of Population Media Center Ethiopia (PMC-E), inaugurated the event, extending a warm welcome to participants and expressing gratitude for their invaluable presence.
Dr. Hailegnaw highlighted PMC-E& #39;s extensive 20-year commitment to pivotal issues such as reproductive health, girls& #39; education, and environmental sustainability. The organization, in collaboration with UNICEF, UNFPA, and Save the Children, aims to address critical concerns like WASH, nutrition, and harmful practices. PMC-E utilizes entertainment-education and various mass media to foster positive behavioral change, emphasizing the need for healthier and more prosperous lives in Ethiopia. & quot; This MHH workshop is a critical initiative, especially in the context of displacements, humanitarian crises, and refugees. Your active participation is essential to prioritize and cascade this workshop in your respective regions. MHH
is not just an individual concern but a societal issue. We are delighted to have you discuss and share your experiences and concerns regarding MHH,& quot; Dr.Hailegnaw emphasized.
Feleke Kibret, PMC-E/UNICEF WASH and Nutrition Project Coordinator underlined the importance of Training of Trainers (TOT) and national training cascade plans. He stressed the development of action plans to ensure the widespread implementation of
MHH training across regions. Birhanu Tezera, Managing Director of Grace Consultancy, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the menstrual health and hygiene toolkit in humanitarian settings. He covered inclusive MHH programming, need assessment, program planning, implementation procedures, materials and supplies, infrastructure, waste management, safeguarding, and monitoring and evaluation protocols.
Throughout the two-day workshop, participants engaged in lively discussions on existing practices, best practices, challenges, and opportunities related to MHH. Topics ranged from space availability and logistics to community engagement and education.
Participants addressed both successful practices, such as community mobilization activities and the establishment of MHH clubs, and challenges like the shortage of MHH room services and weak coordination in urban schools. Challenges included limited MHH services in humanitarian settings, coordination issues, weak male engagement, and the absence of standardized guidelines. The participants also formulated regional cascading operational plans for future implementation.
Representatives from Health Bureaus across Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, Benishagul Gumuz, Gambella, Southwest Ethiopia, Central Ethiopia, South Ethiopia, Dire Dewa, Harari, and Sidama regions actively participated in the workshop. Their commitment and collaborative spirit will undoubtedly contribute to advancing inclusive menstrual health and hygiene initiatives across the country. Thank you to all participants for their valuable insights and dedication.