Advancing Girls’ Reproductive Health Rights Through Self-Care Innovations!

There has been a growing interest in self-care – we see particularly in the health care system how it is advancing reproductive and menstrual health rights for the girl child. That’s why this International Day of the Girl Child we are exploring the potential of improving autonomy and empowerment through self-care health interventions.???

It is true that when girls are empowered – they can manage their health in ways that are often beyond reach of the health system. Responding to the girls’ call, Population Solutions for Health (PSH) is going beyond the business-as-usual sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) service provision approach to invest in self-care interventions that put power in the hands of girls.??

We have developed self-care interventions to improve contraception uptake, avert unintended pregnancies, reduce HIV transmission, and teach girls how to make their own reusable sanitary wear. Get to know more about these innovations below:?

Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DPV-VR)?

The dapivirine vaginal ring is a female-initiated method that girls can insert themselves to lower the risk of HIV infection.? The ring is worn inside the vagina for 28 days, following which it must be replaced with a new ring. It is a more discreet option, eliminating pill burden and empowering young girls to protect themselves against HIV acquisition. PSH through Population Services International (PSI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) and with funding from USAID piloted the DPV-VR as an HIV prevention option among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). In our recent study, over 80% of the girls preferred DPV-VR over Oral PrEP. Efforts are in motion to improve access and coverage of the DPV-VR to vulnerable young women at higher risk of HIV acquisition.?

Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Sub-Cutaneous (DMPA-SC)?

DMPA-SC is a simple injection where young women can self-inject every 3 months to prevent pregnancy. In our recent study funded by the Embassy of Sweden through PSI, we demonstrated that women can competently self-inject themselves to effectively prevent pregnancy. This means they can use the method at a place and time of their choice.?

Menstrual Health Management: Reusable sanitary wear ?

For many girls, lack of access to sanitary wear leads to missing school, work or actively contributing as a community member. To ensure girls have adequate sanitary wear for peace of mind, PSH has been hosting reusable pad-making workshops funded through SRHR4ALL by the Embassy of Sweden with support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the US government. At these workshops, girls are equipped to have a better understanding of their menstruation, how it affects their body, and which sanitary wear to use. Menstruation is natural, let’s talk about it!?

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