Geneva Health Forum 2024

Title: "Bridging the Gap between Menstrual Hygiene Management, Health and the Environment"

Not scheduled

15m

Geneva

Oral presentation Health and the environment, time for solutions

Description

Introduction

In Cameroon, the Cho Ngafor Foundation a nonprofit based in Cameroon, is committed to dismantling healthcare disparities in a world marked by growing inequalities. Our mission revolves around empowering marginalized adolescent girls in underserved communities. This mission gains significant relevance within the context of the 2023 thematic focus on health and the environment is at the forefront of empowering underprivileged adolescent girls, addressing the pressing issues of menstrual hygiene management (MHM), individual well-being, and environmental sustainability.
This abstract delves into the outcomes of their DorenaPad project, which focuses on distributing eco-friendly menstrual pads in Cameroon. By promoting these washable pads, the foundation not only enhances women's health but also aligns with WHO's call for environmental sustainability and universal healthcare.

The foundation's work centers on the vital link between menstrual hygiene management (MHM), individual well-being, and the broader ecosystem. Their multifaceted approach involves workshops, extensive focus-group discussions, and the production and distribution of eco-friendly Dorena menstrual pads. Through these efforts, the Cho Ngafor Foundation has garnered invaluable insights from the field, highlighting the interconnectedness of health and the environment. By advocating sustainable menstrual hygiene and endorsing the use of reusable, eco-friendly products, the foundation not only uplifts women's health but also contributes to broader public health goals thus reducing the carbon footprint.

The synergy of these endeavors aligns seamlessly with the 2023 goals set by the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizing environmental sustainability and universal healthcare coverage, forming the core of the foundation's mission.

Outcomes:
1. The Eco-friendly DorenaPad project, spearheaded by the Cho Ngafor Foundation, introduced eco-friendly menstrual pads in Cameroon. These reusable pads significantly reduce the environmental impact associated with disposable alternatives.

1. The project has led to a notable improvement in menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in the target communities. Workshops and educational initiatives have increased awareness about the importance of proper MHM.

2. By providing sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions, the foundation has enhanced the overall health and well-being of girls and women in the communities. This includes a reduction in infections and health issues related to poor menstrual hygiene practices.

3. The use of washable, eco-friendly menstrual pads significantly reduces the environmental burden caused by disposable sanitary products. The project has contributed to a decrease in non-biodegradable waste and the carbon footprint.

4. Through focus-group discussions and workshops, the foundation has engaged the community in conversations about menstrual hygiene and environmental sustainability. This has fostered a sense of ownership and participation among the local population.

5. The Cho Ngafor Foundation's work resonates with the 2023 WHO objectives, as they actively promote both environmental sustainability and better healthcare access. This alignment emphasizes the project's relevance in the broader context of global health.

The DorenaPad project has not only improved menstrual hygiene and individual well-being but also made a significant contribution to environmental sustainability. By distributing eco-friendly menstrual pads and advocating for their use, the foundation's efforts align with global health objectives, exemplifying the intersection of health and the environment in creating a positive impact.