For many girls in Ghana, getting their period is more than a monthly inconvenience it can become a monthly crisis.
While some girls can easily afford sanitary pads, others are forced to stay home from school, use unsafe alternatives, or make difficult choices simply because they cannot afford basic menstrual products. Health experts warn that these challenges can have far-reaching consequences, including an increased risk of HIV infection.
It is important to be clear; period poverty does not cause HIV. However, experts say it is an indirect contributing factor because it can push vulnerable girls and young women into situations that increase their risk of contracting the virus.
Following the numerical statistics of people living with HIV in Ghana and gender breakdown, women account for 229,261(68.5%) whiles men account 105,460 (31.5%). Women contribute 65.7% of all people living with HIV, while young people (15–24 years) contribute 27.5% of new HIV infections. Children (0–14 years) represent 6.5% of the total HIV population.
One main factor for the increased number in HIV cases, is the inability to afford sanitary pads has led some girls in most communities to engage in transactional sex, exchanging sex for money or menstrual products. Others become more vulnerable to sexual exploitation or remain in abusive relationships due to financial hardship. These circumstances can increase the risk of HIV, particularly when safe sex is not practiced.
Period poverty also means many girls miss school every month. Over time, repeated absenteeism can lead to poor academic performance or even dropping out. Research shows that girls who leave school early are generally at greater risk of early pregnancy, gender-based violence, and HIV infection.
Health experts stress that menstruation itself does not spread HIV. The virus is transmitted through specific body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. HIV can be spread through unprotected sex with a person living with HIV, sharing contaminated needles, mother-to-child transmission, or exposure to infected blood.
As Ghana intensifies efforts to reduce new HIV infections, many experts believe the conversation must go beyond condoms and testing. Addressing period poverty by making menstrual products affordable, keeping girls in school, and improving access to sexual and reproductive healthcare could help reduce some of the conditions that leave young women vulnerable.
Sometimes, the fight against HIV begins with something as simple as ensuring that every girl can afford a sanitary pad. Because when girls are forced to choose between managing their period and protecting their future, the cost is one the entire society ultimately pays.
Piece By: Evodia Adjei
