Canadian Innovation Revolutionizes Menstrual Health Worldwide with the Bfree Cup - The World's First Boil-Free, Antibacterial Menstrual Cup
WINNIPEG, MB, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - What if a simple, safe innovation could break taboos, restore dignity, and end period poverty? Enter the Bfree Cup, the world's only antibacterial, boil-free menstrual cup, developed by Canadian social enterprise Women's Global Health Innovations (WGHI). This small but mighty innovation is making a big impact on global health, gender equity, and dignity.
Proudly made in Canada, the Bfree Cup eliminates the need to boil water to sterilize menstrual products - a barrier in many water-scarce regions. Built-in antimicrobial technology makes it a safe, reusable, and affordable solution for menstruators worldwide. It's not just changing periods, it's changing lives.
More than a product, the Bfree Cup is a symbol of Canadian ingenuity and collaboration. It's helping girls stay in school, reducing stigma, and improving menstrual literacy. WGHI partners with grassroots organizations and NGOs across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia to distribute cups and education, proving that small Canadian enterprises can be powerful players in global health.
Supported by the Fund for Innovation and Transformation (FIT) in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, WGHI introduced the Bfree Cup with partners in multiple countries. FIT's funding and technical support helped transform a bold Canadian idea into a scalable global solution.
"This is exactly what Canadian international assistance can accomplish, and an excellent example of the kinds of transformative, locally-rooted solutions the world needs," says Janice Hamilton, Executive Director. "WGHI's Bfree Cup not only addresses a fundamental health gap, it builds connections between Canadian innovators and communities around the world."
Created by Leisa Hirtz, WGHI's Founder and CEO, the Bfree Cup was shaped by years of research and community input. "Access to safe menstrual care is a human right," says Hirtz. "The Bfree Cup removes barriers of affordability, stigma, and sanitation. It's a game-changer - especially where silence and shame still prevail."
"The school incinerator is in an open space where boys stand and laugh at girls who always come to dispose of their used pads," says a 19-year-old Bfree Cup user and testing participant in rural Uganda. "But now with the Bfree Cup, the boys never know when I am on my period, and this has made me more comfortable in school and also boosted my confidence in school."
With bold vision and deep collaboration, the Bfree Cup is showing what happens when Canadian innovation meets global need. It reminds us that it doesn't take a giant to make change - it takes a village. And this village is just getting started.
Watch "Canadian Innovation Revolutionizes Menstrual Health" PSA Here
#CIW25 #periodfriendlyworld
About FIT
A 7-year, $20.5 M initiative of the Inter-Council Network of Provincial and Regional Councils for International Cooperation, the Fund for Innovation and Transformation is funded by Global Affairs Canada and administered by the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation. FIT is designed to support Canadian small and medium-sized organizations testing innovative solutions that advance gender equality in the Global South. The program supports civil society organizations, social enterprises, post-secondary institutions and the private sector.
About ICN
The Inter-Council Network of Provincial and Regional Councils for International Cooperation is a coalition of the eight Provincial and Regional Councils for International Cooperation. These independent member-based Councils are committed to global social justice and social change and represent more than 350 diverse civil society organizations from across Canada.
About MCIC
A coalition of Manitoba-based organizations involved in international development, the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC)'s mission is to support, connect and amplify the work of its members and partners, while directly engaging and collaborating with Manitobans for global sustainability. MCIC encourages dialogue on global issues and helps empower Manitobans to become active global citizens - individuals who understand that their actions here make a difference around the world. MCIC is also responsible for distributing Government of Manitoba and Government of Canada funds designated for international development and humanitarian projects.
About Global Affairs Canada
Global Affairs Canada manages Canada's diplomatic relations, provides consular services to Canadians, promotes the country's international trade, and leads Canada's international development and humanitarian assistance. FIT is a program undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through Global Affairs Canada.
Social Media Links:
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/fit.fit.ca
Twitter:https://twitter.com/fit_fit_ca
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/company/fit-fit/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fit_fit_ca/
SOURCE Fund for Innovation and Transformation (FIT)
View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2025/26/c0049.html
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
6 hours ago
- CNN
As measles spreads across the Americas, outbreaks in Mexico and Canada have also turned deadly
As measles cases in the United States continue to mount, neighboring countries Canada and Mexico are also experiencing significant outbreaks – all of which have been linked to at least one death. On Thursday, the chief medical officer of health of the Canadian province Ontario announced that an infant who was born prematurely with a measles infection had died. 'The infant contracted the virus before birth from their mother, who had not received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine,' Dr. Kieran Moore said in a statement. 'While measles may have been a contributing factor in both the premature birth and death, the infant also faced other serious medical complications unrelated to the virus.' At least four people have died from measles in Mexico in 2025, and three people have died in the US: two children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico, all of whom were unvaccinated. This years' measles outbreaks are the biggest that Canada and Mexico have seen in decades, and the World Health Organization has warned that the 'overall risk of measles in the Americas Region is considered high.' Low vaccination rates are a key driver of this elevated risk assessment, the agency said. Mexico has reported at least 1,520 measles cases as of late May, according to data from the Pan American Health Organization. Canada reached measles elimination status in 1998, meaning that there has not been continuous spread of the virus for more than a year. But there have already been more cases reported so far this year than there were in the previous 27 years combined. At least 2,755 measles cases have been reported in Canada so far this year, according to federal data that was last updated on Monday, the vast majority of those which have been in Ontario residents. And the US has reported at least 1,168 measles cases so far this year, according to federal data published Friday – nearly 80% of which are associated with an outbreak centered in West Texas that has spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma and possibly Canada. It's the second highest number of cases that the US has reported since achieving measles elimination status in 2000. Significant shares of the measles outbreaks in the US, Canada and Mexico have been concentrated in Mennonite communities that are closely connected to each other – and that have historically had low vaccination rates due largely to minimal interactions with formal health care systems. However, in a recent webinar, experts from the Pan American Health Organization did not formally link outbreaks in the three countries to each other. 'The outbreak [in Mexico] started in Chihuahua, at the heart of Mennonite communities, who were very close to Texas through the border, but they're also close to other Mennonite communities in Canada,' Dr. Alvaro Whittembury, regional adviser for the Comprehensive Immunization Special Program, said in a presentation on Wednesday. 'It's important to show that although at first the outbreak starts in Mennonite communities … the vast majority of cases are outside of these communities, and they are sustained in the general population.' Only a small share of confirmed cases in the Americas have identified genetic sequences, experts from the Pan American Health Organization said, and there haven't been enough identical sequences to explicitly link cases across countries. In April, Mexico issued a warning for people traveling to the US and Canada due to high measles case rates. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also stepped up its guidance for travelers, advising that anyone traveling internationally should be vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine. 'Anyone who is unvaccinated is at risk and I urge everyone, but especially those who may become pregnant, to ensure they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, which will protect both a parent and baby,' Moore said in his statement Thursday. 'This vaccine has been safely used for over 50 years and is highly effective. Two doses provide nearly 100 per cent protection.'
CBS News
8 hours ago
- CBS News
How air quality is monitored as Canadian wildfire smoke continue to occupy Chicago
How officials are using machines to monitor air quality in Chicago How officials are using machines to monitor air quality in Chicago How officials are using machines to monitor air quality in Chicago Despite better air on Friday in Chicago, the city remains under an air quality alert. It remains among the most unhealthy in the world due to the wildfires burning in Canada. So, how is air quality measured here in the city? Air monitor officials are using machines to help track what residents have been warned about for days—hazy skies in Chicago, air that's still behind alerts made possible by machines. "That's a real-time instrument that's collecting real-time data." Renante Marante with the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability described how they work. "When you see smoke, there's particulates in the air, right? These instruments basically detect the concentration of those particulates," he said. Standing in front of one of the 12 sites their office oversees, thanks to federal funding. "It's small enough to get deep in your lungs and cause all kinds of health issues," Marante said. It's been a busy couple of days for his office. Chicago's air quality has been among the worst in the world this week because of the wildfires still raging in Canada, where have been dozens of active fires and over 33,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes. At least two deaths were reported. Scientists and climate experts have said our changing climate is contributing to this, and impacts, like what we are seeing now, will occur more often moving forward. While Friday's air quality is better, it's still a concern for children, teens, the elderly, and those with certain health conditions. Anyone can visit the AirNow website and see information from the equipment used to monitor air quality. "It's part of a larger air monitoring network in the Chicagoland area," Marante said.
CBS News
11 hours ago
- CBS News
Midea recalls 1.7 million air conditioners over potential mold risk
Midea is recalling 1.7 million air conditioning units because a drainage problem could expose consumers to mold. Water can pool in the appliance maker's U Window Air Conditioner and U+ Window Air Conditioner units, possibly leading to mold growth, Midea said in a recall notice posted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Mold can cause respiratory issues and other infections. The CPSC has received at least 152 reports from consumers of mold buildup in the Midea AC units, according to the alert. Of those, there have been 17 reports of users experiencing respiratory infections, allergic reactions, coughing and sneezing, or sore throats as a result of mold exposure. Along with the units sold in the U.S., nearly 46,000 were sold in Canada. The Midea products were sold under a range of brand names, including Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire and Sea Breeze, according to the recall notice. A range of makes and models, measuring 22 inches wide by 14 inches high, are under recall (See the full list of affected model numbers.) The recalled air conditioners were sold at a variety of retailers, including Best Buy, Costco and Home Depot, from March 2020 through May of this year and retailed for between $280 and $500. Owners of the affected units are instructed to contact Midea for a full refund or a free repair. The company will provide a free shipping label for customers to send their units back to Midea. Alternatively, they can submit a photograph demonstrating that they have cut the unit's power cord to receive a refund.
