WHO statement on menstrual health and rights

The World Health Organization (WHO) have issued a statement on menstrual health and rights during the recent 50th session of the Human Rights Council panel discussion on menstrual hygiene management, human rights and gender equality (13 June-8 July 2022).

Menstrual health refers to, “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in relation to the menstrual cycle”.

The statement emphasized three major points:

• Menstrual health is firmly on the current global agenda.
• Menstrual health should be recognized, framed and addressed as a health and human rights issue, rather than a hygiene issue.
• Governments are beginning to act, but much more action is needed.

WHO’s statement outlined the current status of menstrual health and rights, issued calls for three types of action, and made recommendations to governments.

To read the statement on menstrual health and rights, click here.