ENDING SANITARY TOWELS WASTE MANAGEMENT BY SCHOOL HEALTH CLUBS - Binti Jitambue

Backgrounds of the Problem

Menstruation wastes are the wastes that are generated by a Female in her Reproductive years. These wastes are produced during menstruation commonly known as menses, periods, or monthly bleeding cycle. The menstrual cycle has three phases, that is, follicular phase (proliferative), ovulation phase, and luteal phase (secretory).

The menstrual flow varies from female and may be more or less at the beginning of menses or may change throughout the cycle. The color of the menstrual fluid varies between red, bright red, and dark brown to black. One of the challenges that the Learning institutions ( boarding schools, / Colleges- Hostel) are facing is the issue of “Proper disposal of the Sanitary Pads /towels “

 

Generally the generation of infectious waste, sharps, Pathological, Pharmaceutical, Genotoxic Waste, and Chemical Waste, according to Public Health Act Cap. 2009, School Health Safety Manual, Waste Management guidelines (MoHCDGEC,2017), National Catalogue for Health Care Waste Management Equipment, Supplies, Treatment and Disposal Methods October 2018, it narrates the proper and standard procedure on the management of such waste.

 

Menstrual Waste Disposal Techniques Used by Women

According to Rajanbir Kaur has he states in schools that lack sanitary facilities, girls throw their pads or Burn them individually. The behavior of women regarding disposal is different when being at home and away from home. It has been seen to several schools that happen to accommodate >18 females are lacking an incinerator or they have unhygienic methods of disposing of the towels.

According to Edwin Charles history serves us, He narratively showed the relationship between the Environment and the Health of the people. He came up with the conclusion, that the Environment in which a human lives, affects the health of the individual. Health matters, we all are Responsible for our good health, and we are all held responsible.

 

Role of Teachers in Creating awareness regarding Menstruation and Menstrual Waste Management

In schools, teachers can make the school environment girl/women-friendly to manage menstruation with dignity. School Health clubs – “BINTI JITAMBUE” can help in Educating the youth about their sexual identity, protecting themselves from sexual abuse, unwanted pregnancies, and Sexually transmitted diseases, and knowing physiological changes occurring in the body and how to take care of personal hygiene.

 

Role of Men/Boys Towards Menstrual Hygiene Management

One of the main reasons why menstruation is taboo and menstruation hygiene is neglected is gender inequality. Unequal rights given to men and women result in women’s voices being ignored within communities and in development programs. SHCH would like to change that perspective by participating with our dear sisters in managing menstrual waste safely and by environmentally friendly use of modern techniques.

 

 

Proposed Initiatives from Southern Highlands Community Health  by 2025

1.      Initiate  Regional School Health Networks *Ruvuma, Njombe, Songwe and Iringa, Mbeya

2.      Draft a BQ for the Construction of the incinerator

3.      Health promotion and Training on the use of the Incinerator application.