Hygiene and clean toilets during pregnancy are not only comfort, but also essential elements of respect, health and support.
Hygiene is the cornerstone of public health. Among its many aspects, menstrual hygiene management (MNM) and access to clean toilets are important. Addressing these issues can lead to healthier individuals and stronger societies.
1.Menstrual Hygiene: An Important Aspect of Hygiene
Despite affecting nearly half of the world’s population, menstruation is stigmatized and ignored. Lack of access to and knowledge about personal hygiene can lead to a number of problems:
Health impacts: Poor hygiene has been linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs), vaginosis, and even intestinal infections.
Education and Skills: Many girls miss school during the school year due to lack of clean toilets, affecting their education and future opportunities. Similarly, women in the workforce face problems such as reduced productivity and self-esteem.
Social stigma: Lack of knowledge creates taboos around menstruation, isolating women and girls and restricting their participation in daily life.
Medical treatments and clean toilets can change this. To promote inclusivity and equality, physical hygiene should be a priority in schools, workplaces and communities.
2.Clean toilets: Brain connections
A clean bathroom, along with physical hygiene, plays an important role in mental health.
Security and privacy: Access to clean, private toilets can reduce stress, especially for women and vulnerable groups. Feeling safe in a clean environment is essential for peace of mind.
Dignity and trust: Clean toilets restore dignity, especially in poor communities. They empower people by giving them simple rights that are often taken for granted. Reduce stress: Dirty and unsanitary bathrooms can easily lead to stress, discomfort, and even avoidance behavior. This is especially important for people with irregular periods, disabilities, or health issues.
Community awareness: Well-maintained facilities demonstrate the care and investment that goes into public spaces and foster a sense of community pride and responsibility.
3.The interaction between hygiene and mental health
Reduces the stress and embarrassment that comes with menstruation in public or in groups.
Encourage more girls, especially in rural and underserved areas, to attend school regularly. Improve workplaces so women can collaborate effectively and productively.
4.Steps for change
Improve childcare facilities: Governments and organizations should prioritize improving childcare facilities in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
Awareness campaigns: Education campaigns can help eliminate barriers and encourage conversations about menstruation and hygiene.
Policy recommendation: Physical hygiene and environmental sanitation should be integrated into general health and education programs.
Community participation: Involving local communities in the maintenance and use of sanitation facilities can ensure sustainability.