Ethiopia is one of the signatory countries for MDGs/SDGs; which the member states of the UN agreed on during the Millennium Summit in 2000, are important guiding principles for the policy on development co–operation. They are quantitative goals, which must be achieved by the efforts of governments of both developing and developed countries within a period of 25 years. In recognition of this; Ethiopia has formulating and implementing National Strategy on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) towards ensuring Sanitation for Dignity and Health. Among the priority action in the ESDP IV; School Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); Gender and Education and School Health and Nutrition are included and the Key outcome targets to decrease the drop-out and repetition rates for both boys and girls throughout primary education (G1-8) .This will expected decrease to 1.0% and at least 70% of number of drop outs and repetition in primary education in all grade levels in all subjects and all type of assessments and exams will score at least 50% and at least 20% of the students will score 75%.
The gender unfriendly schools and infrastructure, and lack of adequate menstrual protection alternatives and / or clean, safe and private sanitation facilities for female girls and teachers, undermine the right of privacy, which results in fundamental infringement of the human rights of female students and teachers. Even in the homes, a culture of shame forces women to find well hidden places to dry the rags. These places are often damp, dark and unhealthy. Rags that are unclean can cause urinary, vaginal and perinea infection. Very often serious infections are left untreated and may sometimes lead to potentially fatal toxic shock syndrome.
Menstrual Hygiene Management is yet to be integrated effectively in overall hygiene promotion interventions in Ethiopia. Evidences from the field are imperative to emphasize the issues. Thus, this Baseline Survey on MHM in School will be focused on the current WASH status in schools and how menstruation hygiene is being managed in view of collecting information that will form basis for future programming and current Program implementation.
