Public Health Youth Outreach Program on Menstrual Hygiene at Berhampur University

Berhampur, 28th June 2025: The youth have a key role in shaping the future of the world. Thus, they can be focused as the catalyst for change towards creating a period friendly world. This subject was emphasized during a public health awareness program on menstrual health and hygiene, titled ‘Let’s Talk Periods’, held at Berhampur University on Saturday.

The youth engagement program was hosted by IFI Foundation, Swasthya Plus and OdishaLIVE in collaboration with the university, where hundreds of students and faculty members from different departments participated.
Joining as the Chief Guest Prof Geetanjali Dash, Vice Chancellor of the university said, “Menstruation is a natural and biological process of women’s life. But there are still many stigmas and taboos in the society which hinder a woman’s life and growth. This can be addressed through appropriate education and awareness. The youth can help spread such awareness at their homes and in the communities.”

Sharing about the ‘Let’s Talk Periods’ campaign, IFI Foundation Co-Chair and Campaign Chair Pranati Parida said, “Menstrual hygiene is very important for the physical and mental health of women. To create widespread awareness on the subject, World Menstrual Hygiene Day is being organized every year. To make this campaign success we need to inform, engage and empower the youth.”

A campaign brochure carrying relevant information and links to educational videos was released on the occasion. Adding value, the participants displayed posters highlighting various social messages around sustainable menstrual practices.

Similarly, a special video capsule narrating A to Z on menstrual health and hygiene, along with various health problems related to the subject, was previewed. Further, Dr Kusum Dash, senior consultant, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kalinga Hospital Bhubaneswar, and Public Health Educator Sanjukta Sabat, deliberated on the subject and answered various questions of the students.

Among others, the program was attended by the Prof Sukant Kumar Tripathy, Chairman PG Council, Dr Bandita Kumari Panda, HoD, Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, and Nilambar Rath, Editor & CEO OdishaLIVE.

While the program was moderated by Priyanka Sucharita, various sessions were coordinated by Amit Kumar Mohanty, Sitansu Shekhar Sutar and Sushree Smita Behera from OdishaLIVE and Swasthya Plus.

IFI Foundation, which has joined the Global Menstrual Hygiene Day Campaign as ‘Official Partner’, is promoting content for wide digital outreach and hosting youth engagement programs for last couple of years. This year, Kalinga Hospital Bhubaneswar and Paradeep Phosphates Limited have supported the program as Associate Partners.