The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), in collaboration with the Reckitt Global Hygiene Institute (RGHI) from the USA, recently held a forum. This event focused on menstrual hygiene and adolescent mental health on the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health Campus in Hohoe. The forum presented findings from a three-year research project that highlights the critical connection between menstrual health and the mental well-being of adolescent girls.
Researchers, policymakers, health professionals, and development partners attended the forum. They discussed ways to improve menstrual health outcomes for adolescent girls in Ghana. Professor Smile Gavua Dzisi, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) for Management Services, stated that menstruation is often hidden by secrecy and stigma. She emphasized that this silence harms girls' minds and futures, not the natural biological process itself. The lack of proper menstrual products, private facilities, or fear of ridicule often leads girls to miss school. This causes them to fall behind and lose confidence.
This issue reflects broader challenges in Ghana's educational and health systems. The government has policies like the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) and the Free Sanitary Pads initiative. These aim to address some related problems. However, the ongoing stigma and lack of comprehensive support show persistent gaps. These gaps prevent girls from fully participating in education and society. Data from various NGOs show that many girls in Ghana still do not have adequate access to menstrual products or facilities. This impacts their school attendance and overall well-being.
Professor Dzisi urged a collective effort to create schools where menstrual hygiene is a normal part of life. She called for girls to manage their periods with dignity. She also highlighted the importance of boys and men becoming allies in promoting menstrual health and ending stigma. Mr. Prosper Kumi, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Hohoe, supported this view. He stated that menstruation should never hinder girls' dreams and aspirations. He noted that inadequate access to sanitary products, poor facilities, misinformation, and stigma undermine girls' confidence. This reduces their participation in school and community activities.
The forum's discussions have significant implications for public health and educational policy in Ghana. Decision-makers need to consider these research findings for future interventions. Addressing menstrual health is crucial for improving girls' educational attainment and mental health. This also impacts economic productivity in the long run. Continued investment in supportive environments for menstrual health can lead to better outcomes for adolescent girls. It can reduce rates of depression and anxiety among them. This will allow them to remain in school and achieve their full potential.
Dr. Sitsofe Gbogbo, Principal Investigator of the project, presented key research findings. She stressed that menstrual health is a vital part of adolescent mental health and development. Girls who cannot manage menstruation safely and with dignity are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, stress, shame, and social isolation. She stated that unmet menstrual health needs, such as inadequate sanitary materials and lack of privacy, are directly linked to poor mental health outcomes for school-aged girls. Investing in menstrual health is an investment in education, gender equality, and adolescent development.