Effects of the USAID Funding Freeze on Ugandan Girls' Menstrual Health

By Joshua Mirondo.

Many girls and women in Uganda, especially in rural areas, face big problems with their periods. They often feel ashamed, can't afford sanitary pads, and don't have clean toilets to use. This makes them miss school, get sick, and feel like they're not equal to others. It's a tough situation that affects their health, education, and overall well-being. 

About 5 million girls lose at least 18 percent of their school time due to lack of sanitary pads. Menstrual health continues to face financing problems and this is common with girls in both rural and poor urban areas. In February 2024, Monitor publications, one of the biggest newspapers in Uganda, ran a story that indicated that girls in Budondo sub county, Jinja District were molding  sanitary pads out of soil.  They pile soil in a polythene bag, fold it and pierce four holes to absorb blood, then insert towels and wear it with two or three knickers. 

Girls' homegrown production of sanitary products is gaining traction in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Mozambique and Zambia, empowering communities and promoting sustainability. © UNFPA Uganda

Before the last presidential election, President Yoweri Museveni promised to give students sanitary pads, computers, and textbooks if he won re-election. However, it's been years since then, and many people are still waiting to see if he'll keep his promise. Many non government organizations have gone ahead to support girls with activities like teaching them how to make reusable sanitary pads, bursting myths and misconceptions on menstrual health stigma, engaging men and boys, among other efforts. 

Perhaps the biggest current threat to menstrual health comes from the cuts to foreign aid. The USAID fund freeze in Uganda has hurt efforts to help girls and women manage their periods. Many organizations that provide sanitary pads, clean water, and toilets, as well as teach about menstrual health, are now struggling due to lack of funding. This means fewer girls have access to the resources they need to stay healthy and in school. 

Bakshi Asuman, a reproductive health advocate in Uganda, asserted that this crisis disproportionately affects adolescent girls and young women who end up missing school, while boys often continue their education uninterrupted. This results in a  cycle of inequality and discrimination, where young girls are denied their right to education simply because of a natural biological process.

Prioritizing menstrual health is crucial for girls' education, health, and well-being. By providing access to sanitary products, clean facilities, and education, we can help girls manage their periods with dignity and reach their full potential. 

Joshua Mirondo is a program associate with Transition Earth, based in Uganda.