1000 vulnerable women, girls to benefit from hygiene packages
Aiming to continue protecting the health rights and well-being of vulnerable communities across the country, Merundoi Incorporated on Friday presented the Health Ministry with female hygiene packages to aid some 1000 women and girls across the country.
Forming part of the European Union’s (EU) “Promoting Sustainable Livelihood for Vulnerable Groups” project, these packages include sanitary napkins, soap, deodorant and dental hygiene products.
During the simple handing over ceremony, Advisor to the Health Minister, Dr Ramsammy highlighted that improving menstrual hygiene is a major public health challenge, not just within Guyana but on a global scale.
“More than 60 per cent of adolescent girls have no access to menstrual hygiene support because their families can’t afford it. In some cases, it’s not just an affordability issue – it’s an awareness and education issue,” Ramsammy said.
As such, the Health Ministry has embarked on a mission to improve menstrual hygiene, education, awareness and access to products countrywide.
“Last year, $50 million was invested in menstrual health, for menstrual hygiene products in the country. There is a package of products that we now include in our national formulary,” Ramsammy said.
Advisor to the Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy receives a donation of female hygiene packages from Merundoi Incorporated and the European Union
“And we are supposed to ensure that sooner than later that the annual procurement of medicine and medical supplies include the procurement of sanitary pads, etc, for distribution through the health centres,” Ramsammy said.
Dr Ramsammy extended appreciation to Merundoi Incorporated and the EU for their generous donation, noting that this is a key step towards ensuring that every girl and woman in Guyana has access to menstrual hygiene products.
Programme Manager – Cooperation Section within the Delegation of the EU to Guyana, Federico Esteban Suarez reaffirmed the organisation’s support for bettering this aspect of healthcare provision within the country.
“We are very happy to work together with the civil society and the Government on this very important initiative and we are sure that this will help a lot of people. That is the goal of the programme – to be realistic and to be concrete. And of course, we are always available to work together with the civil society and the Government of Guyana,” Suarez said.
