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Transforming adolescent menstrual health through policy: the role of value added tax exemptions in improving access to sanitary products.
Shomuyiwa, Deborah Oluwaseun; Odey, Goodness Ogeyi; Ndep, Antor Odu; Ekerin, Olabode; Amesho, Josephine Ndapewoshali; Luvindao, Esperance; Manirambona, Emery; Lucero-Prisno Iii, Don Eliseo.
Afiliación
  • Shomuyiwa DO; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Odey GO; Global Health Focus Africa, Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Ndep AO; Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE, London, UK.
  • Ekerin O; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK.
  • Amesho JN; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
  • Luvindao E; School of Public Health, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
  • Manirambona E; Ministry of Health and Social Services, Windhoek, Namibia.
  • Lucero-Prisno Iii DE; Ministry of Health and Social Services, Windhoek, Namibia.
Glob Health Res Policy ; 9(1): 19, 2024 06 05.
Article en En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38840125
ABSTRACT
In Namibia, the Value Added Tax (VAT) Amendment Act 2022, which reclassified the supply of sanitary pads as zero-rated, has significant implications for adolescent girls' menstrual health and education. The policy change responds to the need to address period poverty by making essential menstrual products more accessible and affordable. Menstruation is a normal biological process, and access to sanitary products is a human right. Taxing menstrual products reinforces gender inequalities and raises concerns about the basic rights and dignity of women and girls. The VAT-free policy creates a system to reduce the financial burden on girls and women, making it easier for them to manage their periods safely and with dignity. It has the potential to reduce absenteeism from school, ultimately improving educational outcomes for adolescent girls. However, VAT exemptions alone are insufficient to address the broader accessibility issues that impact menstrual hygiene. Evidence-based policies that focus on the availability and affordability of a full range of sanitary products, in conjunction with regulatory mechanisms for price and quality control, are necessary to ensure that menstrual products are safe, affordable, and accessible for all.
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Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Asunto principal: Productos para la Higiene Menstrual / Menstruación Límite: Adolescent / Female / Humans País/Región como asunto: Africa Idioma: En Revista: Glob Health Res Policy Año: 2024 Tipo del documento: Article País de afiliación: Nigeria Pais de publicación: Reino Unido
Texto completo
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Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Asunto principal: Productos para la Higiene Menstrual / Menstruación Límite: Adolescent / Female / Humans País/Región como asunto: Africa Idioma: En Revista: Glob Health Res Policy Año: 2024 Tipo del documento: Article País de afiliación: Nigeria Pais de publicación: Reino Unido