Sanitation and menstrual hygiene management (Niger)

The overall objective of the study is to contribute to improving access to sanitation facilities and hygienic menstrual management (MHM) in schools. Inadequate sanitation facilities constitute the main breeding grounds for diseases, especially in schools where students use them without any precautions. The lack of sanitation facilities, especially in schools, affects the health of the population in general and of students in particular. This results from the practice of some of these students who have adopted the habit of defecating in the open air (for a rate of 32%). This situation exposes the entire school community to the risk of contracting diseases linked to water and sanitation (cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, etc.). It should be noted that in Dan Kéri (urban commune of Aguié), students do not have any coverage for sanitation works (0%). In terms of hand washing devices, 63% of schools do not have one next to their latrine. As a result, systematic hand washing with soap and water after using the latrine is not part of the practices observed in these schools. Regarding MHM, the conditions are not met to allow girls to manage their periods well. 35% of girls were informed and made aware of menstruation before their menarche. This had helped them overcome the stress caused by its occurrence. For the remaining 65%, the girls were too surprised and scared. Finally, it should also be noted that in all the schools visited, there is no MHM latrine coverage (0%), which means that girls skip classes during periods of their menstrual cycle.