Market Survey of Menstrual Hygiene Items

Emergency situations call for prompt access to relief items, which is often a great challenge particularly due to the unavailability and access of items in the affected regions. Pre-positioning and local procurement of menstrual hygiene management items at strategic locations is key in addressing timeliness in promoting dignity, hygiene and health of women and adolescent girls in emergencies. Additionally, local procurement significantly reduces transportation costs and lead times resulting in an effective and efficient emergency response. To address these issues, IFRC EAIOI regional office conducted a market survey in 3 countries in East Africa i.e. Madagascar, Uganda and Somalia, to determine the potential for local procurement and pre-positioning of menstrual hygiene and management items and kits in these countries.