What is sanitization, sanitation and menstrual hygiene?

Sanitization is necessary for healthy and disease-free living. It involves a process by which pathogenic microorganisms are reduced from surfaces and brought down to a safe level. It is done through heat or chemicals to prevent any type of infection.

**Why does sanitization matter?**

Sanitization needs special equipment and chemicals to reduce the viruses and bacteria. Even if one chooses to go for intensive cleaning, harmful microorganisms still continue to stay on surfaces. This might lead to allergies and respiratory diseases.

Though sanitization doesn’t lead to the total elimination of microorganisms, it reduces them to a safe level and helps cleaning. It boosts our safety and wellbeing. Sanitization shields us and protects the surfaces, and prevents the spread of microorganisms.

Sanitation is a broader concept though. It is the overall maintenance of cleanliness and hygiene, that focuses on waste management and general cleaning. But sanitization as we discussed is a specific process reducing the number of microorganisms.

Lets study Indian government’s role in sanitation:

Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan launched in 2021 adopts a community led approach and people centric strategy that creates awareness about sanitary facilities and its use.

Improvement in general life quality in rural areas.
Spread sanitation coverage in rural areas to reach the vision of Nirmal Bharat by 2022.
All Gram Panchayats in India should attain Nirmal status.
Promote sustainable sanitation facilities by way of spreading awareness about sanitation and health education. This should be done by motivating communities and Panchayat Raj institutions.
To cover schools not in the ambit of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Anganwadi Centres in rural areas with adequate sanitation facilities.
Actively promote hygiene education and sanitary habits among students.
Boost cost effective and apt technologies to follow environmentally safe and sustainable sanitation.
Create sanitation systems that are environmentally friendly by focusing on solid and liquid waste management leading to overall cleanliness in rural India.

As much as sanitization and sanitation is vital for our wellbeing, Menstrual Health Management (MHM) is equally vital.

It needs access to clean materials, decent water facilities, soap and information to manage periods with dignity and safety. It includes changing menstrual products after every 4 to 6 hours and prevention of infection. Inadequate sanitization facilities often due to poverty and social norms, risk your health.

Women are entitled to menstrual health and it is necessary for their overall wellbeing. Inspite of its importance menstrual hygiene remains neglected to a large extent due to lack of awareness and social stigma. Since women often lack knowledge about menstrual hygiene it leads to unsafe practices and health issues.

Research reveals that many adolescent girls have to face health issues due to poor menstrual hygiene. We need to speak about menstrual hygiene, break the silence and debunk the myths about it as this directly impacts women’s wellbeing. The extent of the challenge gets reflected in the estimates by the World Bank – around 500 million women lack access to safe products and facilities.

Menstrual Health Management is not only about hygiene. It implies dignity, empowerment, education and equality. It spreads awareness, and gives access to safe products. MHM also breaks the myths and removes hesitation to discuss about menstrual health. These steps are required to live a healthier life and empower women.

Why Menstrual Health Matters?

Menstrual health impacts a woman’s reproductive health. Poor hygiene can cause reproductive tract infections, impacting fertility and gynaecological health in the long run.

Menstrual health and hygiene have an emotional aspect as well. Women become anxious about the leaks, odour and stigma, affecting their confidence. Poor menstrual hygiene adds stress to a woman’s life and can create career challenges due to absenteeism and hinders daily activities.

Following simple menstrual hygiene tips can help maintain good health, a successful career, and pursue education by evading unnecessary barriers.

Naree Care https://nareecare.com/ provides innovative and eco-friendly solutions for collection and disposing of used sanitary products. It spreads awareness of menstrual hygiene too. Get in touch with our team to know more about us and our vision.