Menstrual Waste Management & Disposal

Menstruation is an integral and normal part of human life, indeed of human existence, and menstrual hygiene is fundamental to the dignity and wellbeing of women and girls and an important part of the basic hygiene, sanitation and reproductive health services to which every woman and girl has a right. A woman menstruates between puberty (age 11–24) and menopause (age 45–55) for an estimated 459 cycles during her lifetime. Menstruation can be a life-restricting monthly event for women & girls across the world and negatively impact on daily activities and self esteem. Local Culture in Uganda emphasizes that  girls and women safely dispose menstrual waste beyond reach of witch doctors could place curses using their menstrual blood thus they have to ensure that blood stained sanitary pads have to be disposed off deep into latrines or soak pits. These absorbent materials clog the sewer pipelines as they are unable to pass through and cause the sewage backflow in bathrooms that have led to frequent outbreaks of Urinary Tract Infections especially Urethritis – Infection of the Urethra, Cystitis – Infection of the bladder, Pyelonephritis – Infection of the Kidneys and other vaginal diseases among the female learners  and teachers who utilize the services of the latrines and bathrooms.

RIDE- UGANDA takes leadership in the construction of low-cost Incinerators as well as sensitizing and training of school community members on incinerator operations, maintenance and safe menstrual waste disposal practices to reduce on the number of people affected by such infections.

Menstrual Waste Incineration is a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of organic substances contained in menstrual waste materials. If incinerators are used according to eco-friendly guidelines they create less pollution. They should be operated at certain specific temperature around 800°C so that they emit less harmful gases.