On December 12, 2024, the U.S.-based nonprofit organization WHP held a workshop in Buea, Cameroon, focused on promoting women’s health and sanitation. Titled “Empowering Women’s Health: Best Practices in Female Hygiene and Sanitation,” the event brought together over 60 women from across the Southwest region.

The workshop aimed to close knowledge gaps, promote open dialogue, and encourage sustainable health practices to improve the overall well-being of women in the region.

Key topics included:

• Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM): Promoting safe menstrual care and challenging harmful stigmas.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Prevention: Highlighting early detection and practical preventive measures.
• Maternal Health and Sanitation: Discussing proper hygiene during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.

According to Terese Tande, WHP Board Chair, the initiative was driven by growing concerns from healthcare professionals regarding the poor state of maternity wards and women’s hygiene practices in hospitals that had previously received WHP equipment donations. In response, WHP created a platform to facilitate meaningful conversations and develop actionable solutions with key stakeholders—nurses, midwives, doctors, hospital administrators, support staff, and community members.