Odisha to have First of Its Kind Policy for Menstrual Health

Bhubaneswar: To achieve a healthy menstrual cycle for all women of the state by 2030, Odisha will soon come up with a policy for the management of Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH).

This is reported to be a first-of-its-kind policy. It is being formulated by the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH), Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Odisha government. This policy was formulated in accordance with an assessment study of MHH made by IIPH and UNICEF in Bhadrak, Balangir, and Koraput.

This policy aims to eradicate all stigmas and discrimination related to menstruation and thereby empower women and girls. The draft policy seeks to promote the menstrual health status of women and girls so that they can contribute to the development of the state.

As per the policy, Odisha will have a feasible and context-specific guideline for the packaging, distribution, use and disposal of menstrual hygiene products that comply with eco-friendly standards.

The MHH training will start in primary schools, among women with special needs, and in tribal communities.

As per the study made in three districts, around 61 per cent of the respondents used sanitary pads, while 31.6 per cent used only cloth.