Uganda Ministry of Health Links Menstrual Hygiene to School Absenteeism

Uganda's Ministry of Health stated on 15 July 2026 that poor menstrual hygiene contributes to school absenteeism, teenage pregnancy, and maternal health complications among adolescent girls. Dr. Richard Mugahi, commissioner in charge of reproductive and infant health, said many girls miss school during menstruation because they lack sanitary pads and hygiene facilities.

He stated that resulting dropouts contribute to the country's teenage pregnancy rate of about 25 percent. The ministry plans to use menstrual hygiene programmes as an entry point to educate adolescent girls on sexual and reproductive health. Mugahi said teenage pregnancies expose girls to health risks because many bodies are not fully developed for childbirth, and complications during pregnancy and delivery can lead to disability or death, including obstetric fistula.

The government is working with the Ministry of Education and Sports to improve menstrual hygiene management in schools by constructing girl-friendly sanitation facilities, including changing rooms. Interventions have already begun in parts of northern Uganda and are expected to expand.

Mugahi appealed to private sector manufacturers and suppliers of sanitary pads to partner with the government to expand access to affordable products.

He noted that nearly half of Uganda's learners are girls. Mugahi personally contributed Shs1 million to the campaign.