By Brian
As the world marks Women’s Health Day, a Kenyan doctor is calling for intensified menstrual health campaigns targeting young girls and uneducated mothers, particularly in rural areas. Dr. Gerald Mutisia, a gynecologist at a private hospital in Kitui town, has raised concerns about the alarming number of women and girls who continue to suffer due to poor menstrual hygiene practices.
Speaking in Kitui, Dr. Mutisia highlighted the plight of over 60% of women in sparsely populated villages across the country who are unable to access proper sanitary products. “Many women, especially those in low-income rural areas, lack the resources to buy sanitary pads or towels. Instead, they are forced to use improvised materials like pieces of mattress or old clothing, which exposes them to infections and skin damage,” he said.
According to Dr. Mutisia, menstrual health goes beyond the physical aspects of hygiene—it is a matter of dignity and public health. “Menstrual health is about managing periods safely and hygienically. Using proper sanitary products is essential in preventing infections and maintaining self-esteem, especially among school-going girls,” he explained.
He also noted that many teenage girls remain unaware of their menstrual cycles due to inadequate education. “A large number of teenagers do not know when their periods will start or end. This lack of awareness often leads to embarrassment in public, which can contribute to school absenteeism and mental stress,” Dr. Mutisia added.
Efforts are currently underway to improve menstrual hygiene across Kenya. These include enhancing sanitation infrastructure in schools with dedicated changing rooms and ensuring access to clean water. However, Dr. Mutisia emphasized that more needs to be done.
“Addressing menstrual health challenges in Kenya requires a multi-faceted approach,” he said. “We need affordable sanitary products, better Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, comprehensive reproductive health education for both girls and boys, and deliberate efforts to end the stigma around menstruation.”
As Kenya joins the world in celebrating Women’s Health Day, health advocates like Dr. Mutisia hope the occasion will serve as a wake-up call for both government and civil society to prioritize menstrual health as a fundamental part of women’s healthcare and gender equality.
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