Work

From period poverty to policy change: advancing menstrual health as a public health priority in Nigeria

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Period poverty, the lack of access to menstrual products, adequate sanitation, and reliable health information, continues to undermine the health, dignity, and opportunities of millions of girls and women in Nigeria. Closely linked to gender inequality, the problem is compounded by stigma, inadequate infrastructure, and economic barriers, especially for low-income and marginalized groups. While civil society initiatives and isolated government gestures exist, Nigeria still lacks a comprehensive national menstrual health policy. In contrast, countries such as Scotland, Kenya, and Colombia have advanced reforms through product subsidies, menstrual education, and integrated WASH systems. Drawing on these global experiences and local efforts by Nigerian organizations, this commentary calls for a coordinated, government-led response that embeds menstrual health into public health, education, and social protection frameworks. Achieving menstrual equity will require sustained political commitment, structural investment, and culturally responsive policies.

Source: Frontiers in Reproductive Health

DOI: 10.3389/frph.2025.1686031

Author: Francisca Ogochukwu Onukansi

Institution: Federal University of Technology Owerri

Language: English

Topic: Menstrual Health and Disorders

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being, Gender equality, No poverty

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,077