Latest news with #MenstrualHealthDay
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
AHF Poland Joins Calls for Period Equity on Menstrual Health Day
LUBLIN, Poland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Join AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Poland for a Menstrual Health Day commemorative event at the Center for Culture on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 16.00 to address the stigma, cultural taboos, and lack of menstrual hygiene access that undermine dignity and increase HIV risk among women and girls/people who menstruate. Menstrual Health Day is observed annually on May 28. Globally, women and girls, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, face a disproportionate HIV burden. The lack of access to sanitary pads forces many to miss school, increasing the likelihood of dropping out. This often leads to increased transactional or transgenerational sex, limiting their ability to negotiate safer sex and raising the risk of acquiring HIV. AHF's Menstrual Health Day commemorations worldwide are part of broader strategic prevention efforts that highlight the link between menstrual health and HIV, promote the availability and accessibility of menstrual products, and integrate sexual and reproductive health information and services—ensuring women and girls/ people who menstruate have access to sanitary pads, HIV testing, condoms, and essential care. Therefore, on the occasion of this year's Menstrual Health Day, AHF Poland will: Donate menstrual hygiene products to women refugees from the Center for Foreigners in Łuków. Provide equipment for the "Pink Boxes" at the Lublin University of Technology, the Youth Spaces network in Lublin, and integration spaces—Spilno Lublin and Baobab. The donation of menstrual products to Lublin University of Technology will be accompanied by a lecture titled "Menstrual Health Taken Seriously." Organize a special workshop with a urogynecological physiotherapy specialist and doctor, who will debunk common myths about menstruation ("That's just how you are,""PMS is a natural part of life") and demonstrate how movement techniques and massage can help relieve period discomfort. The workshop will also feature free pads and tampons, information on sexual health, quick HIV testing, live music, drinks, and snacks. The event will be international and conducted in both Polish and English. WHAT: PERIOD POWER! Menstrual Health Workshop Featuring: Natalia Brzozowska-Struska, urogynecological physiotherapist Michalina Pytka, doctor and menstrual health expert at Kulczyk Foundation Live music performance by Ev, an artist, poet, actress, and screenwriter from Zimbabwe During the workshop, menstrual pads and tampons will be distributed, and free HIV tests and informational materials on sexual and reproductive health will be available. WHEN: Saturday, May 31, 2025 TIME: 16:00 – 20:00 WHERE: Center for Culture (Centrum Kultury), Peowiaków 12 WHO: Natalia Brzozowska-Struska – urogynecological physiotherapist Michalina Pytka – doctor and menstrual health expert at the Kulczyk Foundation Ev – artist from Zimbabwe Girls, young women, and adult women from Lublin, both locals and those who have come from different parts of the world, including Zimbabwe, Ukraine, and Belarus AHF Poland team NEWS DESK NOTE & VISUALS: Media materials and information on reproductive health will be available on-site. "The fact that Poland is located in the heart of Europe does not mean that the topic of menstruation is frequently discussed in public spaces. Both young girls and adult women still do not feel comfortable speaking openly about their experiences with menstruation. Many false beliefs and harmful myths persist, such as the inevitability of menstrual pain, which significantly affects women's daily lives," says Anna Szadkowska-Ciężka, AHF Poland's Country Program Manager. "The lack of support from healthcare professionals regarding menstruation leads to women feeling abandoned in other, more complex health matters as well. This is not a good practice!" Nearly 2 billion people menstruate globally, yet 500 million will experience period poverty—including the lack of access to menstrual health products, safe and clean facilities, and accepting communities. These barriers, along with stigma, can lead to poor health outcomes, missing school or work, and adverse effects on mental health. This Menstrual Health Day – let's fight period poverty and end the stigma. AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 2.2 million clients in 48 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: find us on Facebook: and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
AHF Poland Joins Calls for Period Equity on Menstrual Health Day
LUBLIN, Poland, May 29, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Join AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Poland for a Menstrual Health Day commemorative event at the Center for Culture on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 16.00 to address the stigma, cultural taboos, and lack of menstrual hygiene access that undermine dignity and increase HIV risk among women and girls/people who menstruate. Menstrual Health Day is observed annually on May 28. Globally, women and girls, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, face a disproportionate HIV burden. The lack of access to sanitary pads forces many to miss school, increasing the likelihood of dropping out. This often leads to increased transactional or transgenerational sex, limiting their ability to negotiate safer sex and raising the risk of acquiring HIV. AHF's Menstrual Health Day commemorations worldwide are part of broader strategic prevention efforts that highlight the link between menstrual health and HIV, promote the availability and accessibility of menstrual products, and integrate sexual and reproductive health information and services—ensuring women and girls/ people who menstruate have access to sanitary pads, HIV testing, condoms, and essential care. Therefore, on the occasion of this year's Menstrual Health Day, AHF Poland will: Donate menstrual hygiene products to women refugees from the Center for Foreigners in Łuków. Provide equipment for the "Pink Boxes" at the Lublin University of Technology, the Youth Spaces network in Lublin, and integration spaces—Spilno Lublin and Baobab. The donation of menstrual products to Lublin University of Technology will be accompanied by a lecture titled "Menstrual Health Taken Seriously." Organize a special workshop with a urogynecological physiotherapy specialist and doctor, who will debunk common myths about menstruation ("That's just how you are," "PMS is a natural part of life") and demonstrate how movement techniques and massage can help relieve period discomfort. The workshop will also feature free pads and tampons, information on sexual health, quick HIV testing, live music, drinks, and snacks. The event will be international and conducted in both Polish and English. WHAT: PERIOD POWER! Menstrual Health Workshop Featuring: Natalia Brzozowska-Struska, urogynecological physiotherapist Michalina Pytka, doctor and menstrual health expert at Kulczyk Foundation Live music performance by Ev, an artist, poet, actress, and screenwriter from ZimbabweDuring the workshop, menstrual pads and tampons will be distributed, and free HIV tests and informational materials on sexual and reproductive health will be available. WHEN: Saturday, May 31, 2025TIME: 16:00 – 20:00 WHERE: Center for Culture (Centrum Kultury), Peowiaków 12 WHO: Natalia Brzozowska-Struska – urogynecological physiotherapist Michalina Pytka – doctor and menstrual health expert at the Kulczyk Foundation Ev – artist from Zimbabwe Girls, young women, and adult women from Lublin, both locals and those who have come from different parts of the world, including Zimbabwe, Ukraine, and Belarus AHF Poland team NEWS DESK NOTE & VISUALS: Media materials and information on reproductive health will be available on-site. "The fact that Poland is located in the heart of Europe does not mean that the topic of menstruation is frequently discussed in public spaces. Both young girls and adult women still do not feel comfortable speaking openly about their experiences with menstruation. Many false beliefs and harmful myths persist, such as the inevitability of menstrual pain, which significantly affects women's daily lives," says Anna Szadkowska-Ciężka, AHF Poland's Country Program Manager. "The lack of support from healthcare professionals regarding menstruation leads to women feeling abandoned in other, more complex health matters as well. This is not a good practice!" Nearly 2 billion people menstruate globally, yet 500 million will experience period poverty—including the lack of access to menstrual health products, safe and clean facilities, and accepting communities. These barriers, along with stigma, can lead to poor health outcomes, missing school or work, and adverse effects on mental health. This Menstrual Health Day – let's fight period poverty and end the stigma. AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 2.2 million clients in 48 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: find us on Facebook: and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare View source version on Contacts POLAND MEDIA CONTACT:Anna Szadkowska-Ciężka Country Program ManagerAHF Poland+48 U.S. MEDIA CONTACT:Ged Kenslea, Senior Director, Communications, AHF+1 323 308 1833 work +1.323.791.5526 mobilegedk@ Denys Nazarov, Director of Global Policy & Communications, AHF+ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health™ highlights the most pressing disparities faced by women across Canada Français
New research reveals sizeable gaps in education, awareness for common menstrual health conditions TORONTO, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health™, the charitable arm of Shoppers Drug Mart ®, is spotlighting the startling health inequities experienced by women due to a lack of education and awareness surrounding menstrual health in Canada. These issues directly impact a woman's ability to identify and understand their own symptoms and advocate for appropriate treatment. As the country recognizes Menstrual Health Day, Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health™ is calling for greater support and focus on menstrual health to help close the gap on these issues in women's health. Much more complex than a monthly cycle, menstrual health is foundational to a woman's overall well-being and includes the full spectrum of reproductive health concerns, from hormone regulation to chronic conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis and infertility. Due to a lack of understanding, many women don't recognize the severity of their own symptoms and end up experiencing delayed diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the urgent need for increased research and education to improve outcomes for those living with menstrual health conditions. To better understand the reality of menstrual health in Canada, Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health™* commissioned a national research survey, revealing: More than one-in-four people experience irregular or missed periods and heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Three-in-five women with menstrual health conditions, such as infertility or PCOS, describe their diagnosis journey as difficult. 85 per cent of women found it difficult to get an endometriosis diagnosis. "Making women's health a greater priority means recognizing menstrual health, an often-overlooked part of the conversation, as absolutely critical to women's well-being," said Paulette Minard, Director, Community Investment at Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health™. "Our survey findings reflect more than numbers - they reveal real experiences of pain, delay and dismissal that Canadian women face every day. Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health™ is committed to challenging the status quo in women's health - to close gaps in care, amplify women's voices and ensure they have the right knowledge and tools to advocate for themselves." Since 2022, Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health™ has donated more than $2.6 million in funds and supplies to expand access to menstrual products and care through partners like Moon Time Connections, The Period Purse, and others across Canada. In that same time, Shoppers Drug Mart and Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health have committed to donate more than 69 million period care products to schools and community organizations in Ontario, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Saskatchewan so people who menstruate can access necessary care while continuing to attend class and other activities. To learn more about the Foundation's initiatives and how to get involved, visit About Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health ™ Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health™ – the charitable arm of Shoppers Drug Mart ® – is committed to helping Canadian women lead healthier lives, by making care more equitable and accessible. The Foundation will invest $50M by 2026 to address some of the most pressing health inequities facing women, including lack of representation in health research, barriers to accessing mental healthcare, and the urgent consequences women disproportionately face due to poverty and domestic violence. Learn more at About Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. Shoppers Drug Mart ® Inc. is one of the most recognized and trusted names in Canadian retailing. The company is the licensor of full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers Drug Mart ® (Pharmaprix ® in Québec). With more than 1,350 Shoppers Drug Mart ® and Pharmaprix ® stores operating in prime locations in each province and two territories, the company is one of the most convenient retailers in Canada. Shoppers Drug Mart ® is an independent operating division of Loblaw Companies Limited. Disclaimer: * These are the findings of a study conducted by Veritas Communications from Mar 14, 2025, to Apr 10, 2025, among a representative sample of 1,799 Canadian women between the age of 23-50, who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2.3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
AHF Joins Calls for Period Equity on Menstrual Health Day
LOS ANGELES, May 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) joins the world in commemorating Menstrual Health Day with a series of activations across many of our 48 countries of operation — aimed at breaking stigma, promoting menstrual health equity, and protecting the health and futures of women and girls/people who menstruate. Menstrual Health Day is observed annually on May 28. Globally, women and girls, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, bear a disproportionate HIV burden. AHF's worldwide commemorations highlight the link between menstrual health and HIV through strategic prevention efforts. By promoting the availability and accessibility of menstrual health products, integrating sexual and reproductive health services, and challenging stigma, AHF works to ensure that women and girls/people who menstruate have the tools—such as sanitary pads, HIV testing, condoms, and reliable health information—to safeguard their health, education, and dignity. "When girls miss school because they lack access to menstrual products, it places their education, health, and futures at risk," said Terri Ford, AHF Chief of Global Advocacy and Policy. "Period poverty contributes to early school dropouts and increases girls' vulnerability to transactional or transgenerational sex, heightening their risk of HIV and other STIs. On Menstrual Health Day, we recognize menstrual health as a key component of HIV prevention and commit to ensuring all girls/people who menstruate have access to the products, care, and education they need to stay well." Nearly 2 billion people menstruate globally, yet 500 million will experience period poverty—including the lack of access to menstrual health products, safe and clean facilities, and accepting communities. These barriers, along with stigma, can lead to poor health outcomes, missed education or work, and adverse effects on mental health. This Menstrual Health Day – let's fight period poverty and end the stigma. AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 2.3 million clients in 48 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: find us on Facebook: and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare View source version on Contacts U.S. MEDIA CONTACT:Ged Kenslea, Senior Director, Communications, AHF+1 323 308 1833 work +1.323.791.5526 mobilegedk@ Denys Nazarov, Director of Global Policy &Communications, AHF+ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
AHF Joins Calls for Period Equity on Menstrual Health Day
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) joins the world in commemorating Menstrual Health Day with a series of activations across many of our 48 countries of operation — aimed at breaking stigma, promoting menstrual health equity, and protecting the health and futures of women and girls/people who menstruate. Menstrual Health Day is observed annually on May 28. Globally, women and girls, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, bear a disproportionate HIV burden. AHF's worldwide commemorations highlight the link between menstrual health and HIV through strategic prevention efforts. By promoting the availability and accessibility of menstrual health products, integrating sexual and reproductive health services, and challenging stigma, AHF works to ensure that women and girls/people who menstruate have the tools—such as sanitary pads, HIV testing, condoms, and reliable health information—to safeguard their health, education, and dignity. 'When girls miss school because they lack access to menstrual products, it places their education, health, and futures at risk,' said Terri Ford, AHF Chief of Global Advocacy and Policy. 'Period poverty contributes to early school dropouts and increases girls' vulnerability to transactional or transgenerational sex, heightening their risk of HIV and other STIs. On Menstrual Health Day, we recognize menstrual health as a key component of HIV prevention and commit to ensuring all girls/people who menstruate have access to the products, care, and education they need to stay well.' Nearly 2 billion people menstruate globally, yet 500 million will experience period poverty—including the lack of access to menstrual health products, safe and clean facilities, and accepting communities. These barriers, along with stigma, can lead to poor health outcomes, missed education or work, and adverse effects on mental health. This Menstrual Health Day – let's fight period poverty and end the stigma. AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 2.3 million clients in 48 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: find us on Facebook: and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare
