In Africa, over 400 million women and girls are of reproductive health age. For many of them, being able to manage their monthly
menstruation safely, comfortably and with dignity is a struggle. Menstruating girls and women face limited privacy, inadequate access to toilets and water and may lack menstrual products, underwear and soap as they are in quarantine, isolation or due to the COVID-19 related lockdowns.

As an urgent call to action, the African Coalition for Menstrual Health Management (ACHMH) and Days for Girls (DfG), with support and guidance from UNFPA East and Southern Africa Regional Office hosted a virtual discussion on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic in responding to menstrual health needs in Africa.

Held online on 27 May 2019, ahead of the International Menstrual Hygiene Day commemoration, the dialogue had various stakeholders
including government partners, UN Agencies, members of the private and public sector, social media influencers, researchers, members of the civil society, and NGOS.

More than 270 participants joined from across the globe.

Objective

In this Decade of Action, the dialogue brought all menstrual health stakeholders to review issues, challenges and opportunities amidst
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. It has been agreed that all the lessons shared will be collated to inform a policy/position paper on MHM and health emergencies in particular.