UNFPA East and Southern Africa Regional Office and the Department of Women in the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa co-hosted the first East and Southern African Symposium on Menstrual Health Management (MHM) from 28 to 29 May 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
MHM has gained greater attention in recent years. It is now understood as an integrated, cross-sectoral response involving sexual and reproductive health and rights, education and life skills, water, hygiene and sanitation, and waste disposal, both in development and humanitarian contexts.
This historic meeting of committed professionals was an important step towards consolidating support for strengthening MHM in the region, particularly since it is implicit in the attainment of several Sustainable Development Goals and those within Agenda 2063. A Call to Action identified the emerging priorities for MHM in Africa and committed to further action led by an African Coalition for Menstrual Health Management.
