Faith-based approach to improve menstrual hygiene management (MHM): challenges and successes

This paper examines faith-based organisations’ (FBOs) essential and effective approach to breaking the myths and silence surrounding menstruation, the provision of comprehensive menstrual information, menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and the assessment of an initiative integrating FBOs into the structure for shattering taboos around menstruation. Whereas substantial progress has been made to evolve more decent and socially acceptable approaches to MHM in recent times, the active role of FBOs in accelerating and enhancing better MHM has not been properly appraised or harnessed in Nigeria. As an integral part of the nascent collaboration between Daniel Iroegbu Global Health Foundation and Second Chance Initiative this synergic thrust is reaching FBOs to discuss this gap in MHM programming and seek newer realities in MHM. Addressing taboos and silence around menstruation requires a multi-sect oral collaboration and response similar to the approach currently in use for HIV/AIDS and Malaria morbidity response and control in Nigeria.