Healthy Together Initiative

Develop and implement comprehensive menstrual health and hygiene education and awareness programs in schools and communities.

Challenge and change cultural and societal beliefs and taboos related to menstruation through awareness campaigns, and community dialogues.

• Establish sustainable supply chains for affordable menstrual hygiene products locally, including reusable options.
• Support women in starting small businesses related to menstrual health, such as producing and selling reusable menstrual products.
• Access to water and hygiene facilities, such as clean and private toilets, washing stations and other supporting resources in schools.

Train and empower local women to become menstrual health ambassadors who can provide support and information to their communities.

Collaborate with local NGOs, governments, and international organizations to pool resources and expertise for short-term interventions.

• Conduct research on menstrual health and hygiene practices to gather data and inform evidence-based policies and interventions.
• Monitor progress and adapt strategies as needed.

• Advocate for policies that address menstrual health and hygiene
• Importing resources to make healthy reusable sanitary pads  menstrual hygiene management resources as needed
•  Working on including budget allocation for menstrual hygiene management in public facilities

Facilitating Proactive Discussion: The program aims to encourage and enable discussions within underserved communities. This suggests a community-based approach where individuals can openly talk about their health concerns and issues.

Priority Health Issues and Concerns: The discussions are centered around priority health issues and concerns. This means the program likely identifies specific health challenges that are particularly pressing within the underserved community.

Understanding Modifiable NCDs and Risk Factors: The program seeks to educate participants about noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs) and their modifiable risk factors. NCDs are long-lasting health conditions that are not contagious (e.g., diabetes, heart disease), and understanding their modifiable risk factors is crucial for prevention.

Tailored and Culture-Informed Health Education: The program is designed to provide health education that is tailored to the needs and cultural context of the underserved community. This approach ensures that the information provided is relevant and accessible to the target audience.

Raising Awareness: One of the primary goals is to increase awareness among individuals about NCDs and their associated risk factors. This awareness empowers people to take charge of their health.

Informed Decision-Making: By providing information and facilitating discussions, the program aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Informed decision-making involves understanding the risks and benefits of different choices and taking actions that promote better health.

Education: Community health forums should provide accessible and comprehensible information about NCDs, including their types (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, cancer), risk factors (e.g., unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking), and the impact on individuals and the community.

Guest Speakers: Invite healthcare professionals, local experts, and individuals with personal experiences to speak at the forums. They can share insights, provide guidance on prevention, and answer questions from attendees.

Interactive Workshops: Conduct workshops that promote healthy behaviors and lifestyle changes. Topics could include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and smoking cessation.

Screenings and Check-ups: Offer on-site health screenings or facilitate access to local healthcare services. Early detection of NCD risk factors can encourage individuals to take preventive action.

Community Engagement: Encourage community participation by involving residents in planning and organizing the forums. This fosters a sense of ownership and collective responsibility.

Resource Materials: Distribute pamphlets, brochures, and other informative materials about NCDs and local healthcare resources. Ensure that these materials are available in multiple languages if necessary.

Support Groups: Create support groups for individuals dealing with NCDs or those at high risk. Sharing experiences and coping strategies can be immensely beneficial.

Regular Meetings: Establish a consistent schedule for the forums, making them a regular part of community life. Consistency helps maintain interest and momentum.

Online Presence: Utilize social media and digital platforms to reach a wider audience and provide resources and updates related to NCDs and forum activities.

Feedback Mechanism: Encourage attendees to provide feedback and suggestions for improving the forums. This ensures that the content remains relevant and engaging.

Collaboration: Partner with local healthcare providers, NGOs, and government agencies to pool resources and expertise in NCD prevention and awareness.