Plea made to prioritize cycle health through awareness & collaboration

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar in collaboration with Menstrual Health Management (MHM) Working Group Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, WaterAid, UNICEF, and other sector partners, organized an event to mark the Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) Day 2025 the event featured comprehensive discussions on various important aspects of cycle health. The global theme is “Together for a #Period Friendly World.”

The event saw professionals, representatives from academic and research institutions, development partners, and youth. KMU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ziaul Haq, graced the occasion as the chief guest and reaffirmed the collective commitment to ending menstrual taboos and promoting dignified menstrual health.

Naheed Akhtar Khan from SRSP delivered a presentation titled “Climate & Dignity: Menstrual Health in a Changing World,” emphasizing the link between climate change and menstrual health. Prof Dr Robina Nazli, Dean of Basic Medical Sciences at KMU, addressed the topic “Menstrual Hygiene Management in Girls,” stressing the need for educational interventions and institutional support.

Huma Kanwal Atta, Head of KMU’s Mental Health Department, spoke on “The Mental Health Toll of Menstruation in Humanitarian Settings,” highlighting the importance of psychosocial support systems.

Toheed Bibi from Water Aid underlined the urgency of inclusive policies and practical planning for menstrual health management. A separate session was held on “Policy Integration and System strengthening for MHM,” calling for the alignment of EMIS and HMIS systems and ensuring budget allocations, especially in the context of climate resilience.

Representing the MHM Working Group, Dr Wasaf Syed expressed gratitude to all participants and stakeholders. She emphasized that menstrual health and hygiene is a shared responsibility and that every individual in society must play a role in its promotion.

Prof Dr Ziaul Haq stressed the importance of continuous awareness campaigns, inter-institutional collaboration, and policy-level actions to prioritize menstrual health.