Women must stop using drugs like cannabis, cocaine, and heroin to suppress menstruation, as it pose significant health risks, including hormonal imbalances and infertility.
Upendo Chenya, principal pharmacist at the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA), warned during a national dialogue in Dar es Salaam over the weekend that an increasing number of women are turning to drugs as a means to halt menstruation. This practice, she said, can have lasting and harmful effects on reproductive health.
The event, which focused on how gender-supportive services can improve menstrual health and hygiene, was organized by the Msichana Initiative in partnership with various organizations. Experts at the dialogue emphasized that drug use can disrupt hormone production, leading to irregular or even absent menstrual cycles, and could make it difficult for women to conceive.
Certain substances interfere directly with the reproductive system and can upset hormonal balance. This is particularly concerning for women in high-risk situations, such as those engaged in sex work, who may resort to drugs to suppress their periods.
“This is incredibly dangerous and puts their entire reproductive health at risk,” Chenya warned, noting that women often turn to drugs due to chronic pain, mental illness, and trauma.
The DCEA is running an educational campaign aimed at raising awareness about the health risks of drug use, particularly among vulnerable groups. The dialogue also addressed the financial challenges that many girls face in accessing sanitary products, which sometimes leads them to seek unsafe alternatives.
Elizabeth Mollel, a student from Emanyata Secondary School in Arusha, shared the struggles faced by many girls who cannot afford sanitary pads. She explained that some girls resort to risky behaviors to fund their menstrual needs.
“A package of sanitary pads can cost up to 3,000 shillings, which is unaffordable for many girls, especially those from low-income families. This lack of access forces some girls to make dangerous choices, such as entering relationships at a young age to secure money for pads,” she said.
The dialogue also highlighted the need for safe spaces in schools where girls can manage their menstruation with dignity. Neng’ambo Thomas, an activist with the Pastoral Women’s Council (PWC), called for the reinstatement of a tax exemption on sanitary pads.
Gender-responsive policies are needed to ensure that menstrual health and hygiene services are available to all girls, she emphasized. These policies should make menstrual materials more affordable and ensure access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
Rebecca Gyumi, executive director of the Msichana Initiative, proposed that sanitary pads be classified as essential medicines to ease the burden on girls. She stressed the importance of amplifying girls’ voices to gain more attention for menstrual health issues in both policy and education.
“The issue is central to the well-being of girls and the future of our nation,” Gyumi stated. She highlighted the economic impact of poor menstrual hygiene management, which leads to lower school attendance and performance among girls, affecting their education and future job prospects.
Gerald Kihwele, the Health Ministry’s coordinator for gender and adolescent health, stated that the government is implementing various initiatives to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in schools. These efforts aim to ensure that children stay safe and clean, especially during menstruation.
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