Kingston, Jamaica – May 12, 2026 — In a landmark step toward advancing menstrual equity and adolescent wellness in Jamaica, the Government of Jamaica has officially announced the establishment of the National Menstrual Health Equity Initiative, a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Ministry of Education, Youth, Skills and Information, HerFlow Foundation, and UNICEF.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, during his Sectoral Presentation on May 12, 2026, signaling a major national commitment to addressing period poverty and improving menstrual health support for school-aged girls across Jamaica.
The initiative’s pilot phase will target eight schools with high concentrations of PATH-registered girls through an integrated school-health approach to adolescent wellness. The 18-month pilot project, valued at approximately J$50 million, is expected to directly benefit more than 2,000 girls while also engaging boys, teachers, parents, and school health personnel through education and community outreach activities.
The programme will include:
- Distribution of menstrual hygiene kits
- Menstrual health and hygiene education sessions
- WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) improvements
- HPV vaccination support
- Personal hygiene education
- HIV/STI prevention education
Speaking during the announcement, Minister Tufton emphasized the urgency and significance of the initiative.
“We all must be concerned about period poverty among our young girls in schools. It’s not just a hygiene issue, but a systemic barrier that keeps girls out of classrooms, undermines their academic potential, and reinforces cycles of inequality and poverty,” the Minister stated.
The announcement represents a significant milestone for HerFlow Foundation, which has been at the forefront of the fight against period poverty in Jamaica since its inception in 2016. Over the past decade, the organization has led national advocacy efforts around menstrual equity, distributed millions of menstrual and hygiene products, conducted reproductive health workshops in schools across all 14 parishes, and championed policy conversations surrounding menstrual health and dignity.
Founder and Executive Director of HerFlow Foundation, Shelly-Ann Weeks, welcomed the initiative as a transformational moment for Jamaican girls and the broader national conversation on health equity.
“This initiative represents more than the distribution of menstrual products—it is a recognition that menstrual health is directly connected to education, dignity, confidence, and opportunity,” Weeks said. “For years, HerFlow Foundation has advocated for menstrual health to be treated as a national development issue, and today we are seeing that vision become reality through meaningful government partnership and action. Thousands of Jamaican girls will now have greater support to remain in school, participate confidently, and manage their health with dignity.”
Weeks further noted that the integration of menstrual health education with WASH infrastructure, vaccinations, and broader adolescent wellness programming reflects a progressive and sustainable approach to public health.
The National Menstrual Health Equity Initiative is expected to generate critical data and lessons that can inform future national policy and expanded programming to support menstrual wellness in schools and communities across Jamaica.
As Jamaica continues to strengthen its commitment to adolescent health, gender equity, and educational access, this initiative signals a major step toward ensuring that no girl is left behind because of her period.
