COVID-19 indirectly affects menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) and menstrual hygiene management (MHM) through various avenues. For instance, COVID-19 restricts mobility, increases challenges in obtaining certain essential items, reduces interaction with social support networks, reduces privacy of household members who are usually out of the house and are now under lockdown, and causes stress – any or all of these dimensions may have impacts on MHH and MHM.
Overall, we must ensure that policies and procedures recognize that menstrual needs are basic and essential needs. For this reason, WSSCC have provided Programming guidance on Menstrual Health and Hygiene in COVID-19 response.
