Program will provide sanitary pads for 24 million people – 06/19/2023 – Health

The federal government released, this Monday (19), an interministerial ordinance with criteria for the free distribution of pads in the Program for the Protection and Promotion of Health and Menstrual Dignity.

The intention is to guarantee sanitary pads to around 24 million people in conditions of social vulnerability.

The target audience is formed by the population registered in the Cadastro Único and also includes people living on the streets or in poverty. It also includes students enrolled in the state, municipal or federal public education network, in all types of education, who belong to low-income families, as well as those who are in the penal system or complying with socio-educational measures.

Absorbent pads may be distributed in Primary Health Care establishments and public schools, in addition to units in the SUAS host network (Unified Social Assistance System), prisons, institutions for compliance with socio-educational measures and other equipment that meet the specifications. from the program.

The government also prepares publicity campaigns to educate the public on issues related to menstrual dignity, combat misinformation on the subject and produce graphic materials to publicize the program. Actions are also planned to train public agents to disseminate information and services on the subject.

The interministerial ordinance is signed by Ministers Nísia Trindade (Health), Cida Gonçalves (Women), Camilo Santana (Education), Flávio Dino (Justice and Public Security), Silvio Almeida (Human Rights and Citizenship) and Wellington Dias (Development and Social Assistance , Family and Fight Against Hunger).

“Menstrual dignity is an issue that involves aspects of public health, education, citizenship and self-esteem. There are thousands of people who menstruate without access to pads. As a result, girls stop attending classes out of shame, and women use inappropriate forms of restraint. flow, such as toilet paper and even breadcrumbs”, said the Ministry of Health, in a note.

In March of this year, the Public Prosecutor in Rio de Janeiro, Julio Araujo Junior, charged the federal government with regulating and implementing a program for the free distribution of sanitary pads to elementary and high school students, vulnerable people and prison inmates.

Last year, the Ministry of Health launched a program to guarantee the free distribution of sanitary napkins to low-income students in public schools, adolescents hospitalized for socio-educational measures and homeless women.

The program was instituted eight months after Congress overturned a veto until then President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) to the approved bill that provided for the free distribution of sanitary pads. In an attempt to lessen his rejection by women, in the year he would seek re-election, the president issued a decree in March providing for the measure.