Women’s Well-being Initiative Liberia Hosts Successful National Health Conference on World Menstrual Hygiene Day

By: William McGill

In observance of this year's World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the local women’s NGO, Women’s Well-being Initiative Liberia, concluded a successful day-long national women’s health conference on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the Liberian Business Association (LIBA) conference hall in Paynesville under the theme “Grow Your Wellness Knowledge.”

Speaking at the program, Paul K. Kennedy, the Health Systems Strengthening and Policy Advisor at the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), who served as the keynote speaker, called on local women’s organizations to work together to achieve their potential goals. He further urged the Women’s Well-being Initiative Liberia to engage with stakeholders in creating health wellness within communities across the country.

Paul Kennedy, who serves as the Policy Advisor at NPHIL, added that the 1972 policy on public health, currently being revised and reviewed by the national legislature, will be greatly beneficial when the government enacts policies that are good for the country. “It is now time that community-based organizations like this come together to make sure they reach out to policymakers to create more wellness programs across the country,” he stated.

Wilfred Tiakerweyah, advisor to Women’s Well-being Initiative Liberia, expressed gratitude to the participants for their strong attendance. He affirmed that the conference's goals were achieved and encouraged attendees to apply the lessons learned from various speakers to benefit themselves and their communities. 

Tiakerweyah called on local women’s NGOs to continue their vital initiatives and the important work they are doing. “I’m hoping that they can take back the lessons learned from this program to their various communities,” he said. “They learned a lot, including sanitation and how to manage garbage, among other things, which means that our objectives were met.”
Menstrual Hygiene Day, also known as MH Day, is an annual awareness day observed on May 28 to highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene management (MHM) globally. 

The day was initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2013 with the primary goal of addressing menstrual health challenges, breaking taboos surrounding menstruation, and promoting awareness. 
This year’s program is being celebrated globally under the theme: “Together for a Period Friendly World.”