Recognizing Rohingya adolescent girls’ menstrual hygiene in Bangladesh to enhance reproductive health: a commentary

Abstract

The Rohingya, an ethnic minority group in Myanmar, have been subjected to decades of persecution and violence, forcing them to flee to neighboring countries such as Bangladesh. The correspondence recognizes Rohingya adolescent girls’ menstrual hygiene in Bangladesh to enhance reproductive health. Adolescent girls make up 52% of the Rohingya population in the Cox’s Bazar region’s refugee camps, and there are few resources to help them manage their menstrual hygiene, posing significant health risks. Inadequate menstrual hygiene can result in sexual and urinary tract infections, infertility, and pregnancy complications. Most of the adolescent girls had poor menstrual hygiene practices. Unfortunately, only 10.89% of Rohingya girls wear underwear without disposable sanitary pads, and 17.82% use disposable sanitary pads. Furthermore, 67% of Rohingya girls do not have access to proper menstrual healthcare. Bangladeshi girls, on the other hand, have better access to menstrual hygiene products and have more good practices. There is a need to develop menstrual hygiene-friendly infrastructure as well as menstrual hygiene understanding and practices among the Rohingya. Authorities can help improve the current situation and promote healthy menstrual hygiene practices among Rohingya girls by implementing specific requirements, such as ensuring menstrual hygiene products.