MH day celebration A national program to celebrate MH day with the theme `Its time for action’ was held today which was jointly organized by Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), UNICEF and MHM Platform. The program took place at the DPHE auditorium. State Minister, Rural Development and Co-operatives Division was the Chief Guest of the program. Senior Secretary, Local Government Division, and Acting Deputy Representative of UNICEF joined as special guests. Country Director, Practical Action moderated the open discussion slot on behalf of MHM Platform. The MC of the program was from ICDDRB, on behalf of MHM Platform. Additional Secretary, Local Government Division (LGD) was the chair of the program. Besides these, Chief Engineer, DPHE; Director, Department of Secondary and Higher secondary education (DSHE), Business Director (Hygiene & Toiletries), ACI (a private company), Footballer from Female National Football Team and two adolescent girl and boy delivered their speeches in the program. The speakers emphasized on necessity of menstrual health and hygiene related knowledge and MHM friendly WASH system in schools which will reduce absenteeism of the girls during menstruation. Govt. representatives also highlighted on collaboration with NGOs for getting better result of the initiatives regarding menstrual hygiene. NGO speakers underlined the necessity of monitoring of the implementation of the circular issued by the DSHE and proper maintenance of the school toilets and they focused on raising awareness at the community level too. Special needs for girls with disability was focused by the speakers. Attention of the private sector was drawn on producing affordable sanitary napkins. Some other issues were also tabled; such as engaging men and boys; especially engagement of fathers for ensuring health and wellbeing of their daughters, involvement of media to catch policy planners attention as well as to raise mass awareness.
MHM day with the support from UNICEF brings all together in the same platform and we have taken this opportunity to a photo session in the stall of WASH -SDG Programme.
