DeCODE Advocates Menstrual Health Policy in Anambra

The Development Centre for Orientation, Discovery and Empowerment (DeCODE) is advocating for the adoption of a menstrual health and hygiene management policy in Anambra State. This initiative was presented during an advocacy visit by the Menstrual Ease for Girls (ME4Girls) Project team to Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Education.

Funded by Rise Up Together, the ME4Girls Project aims to implement the National Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Policy to ensure menstruation does not hinder girls' education. Dr. Ekene Ogugua, representing the Commissioner for Education, expressed support for DeCODE's efforts.

Mrs. Cynthia Enweonwu-Arinze, the Project Lead, highlighted ongoing challenges such as inadequate menstrual health information and poor WASH facilities affecting girls' school attendance. DeCODE is conducting a menstrual health situation assessment in 12 public secondary schools across six local government areas to inform policy development.

The project seeks to involve the Ministries of Education, Health, and Women Affairs in its implementation framework.