Adapting menstrual health interventions for People with Intellectual Disabilities in Emergencies

Menstrual health is a critical public health concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where many women and girls still lack access to proper menstrual hygiene. People with disabilities face significant disadvantages and are often excluded from efforts to improve menstrual health in development and humanitarian contexts.The Bishesta campaign – a menstrual health intervention for people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers,  was developed by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and WaterAid and delivered in collaboration with the disability service providers. 

This technical brief presents the learnings and findings that can be taken forward from the campaign,  the adaptation process, and essential insights for those seeking to customize the campaigns for different settings. It is relevant  for partners engaged in menstrual health for individuals with and without disabilities and WASH interventions in schools and communities in both development and humanitarian contexts.