Menstrual hygiene management in disasters: the concerns, needs, and preferences of women and girls in Vanuatu

In disaster settings, women and girls face additional challenges in safely managing menstruation with confidence dignity. Assessing women’s girls’ needs preferences at country level prior to a assists Red Cross National Societies preparedness planning development of local menstrual hygiene management (MHM) kits for pre-positioning. This study, conducted Vanuatu, examined the experiences, concerns, needs, disasters. Participants trialled one four different sanitary products included MHM kit. Absorbency, security fit, odour were main determinants product acceptability. Water supply safe disposal options influenced preference either reusable or disposable products. Access products, distribution processes, water supply, privacy key concerns. Detailed recommendations within this paper will support Vanuatu decision making programming response.