Tears of Joy as SOHOPE & Partners Donate Sanitary Towels, Pants to Inpatients at Butabika Mental Hospital

Jane Akampurira* sat on one of the well-laid beds near the entrance to the dormitory with tears running down her cheeks. She tried as much as she could to block and control herself but it was all in vain. The more she tried the harder she cried.

“I’m overwhelmed with joy,” she said, wiping tears off her cheek. “I had nothing.”

Akampurira* was not the only one overjoyed. She was just one of the 216 female inpatients at Butabika Mental Hospital who were left with smiles on their faces after they received sanitary towels and panties.

During the last Friday of March 2023, marking the end of the women’s month, Strides of Hope Foundation (SoHope), Bora Minds Foundation, Blessed Vessel Initiative (BVI) and God’s Glory Mutungo Miracle Ministries made a donation to the female inpatients at the hospital.

The Women’s Month is an annual campaign that aims at promoting menstrual hygiene among female patients at Butabika Hospital. During the menstrual hygiene campaign dubbed ‘Champion Her Dignity,’ female inpatients were celebrated.

It is celebrated annually, with female inpatients receiving menstrual hygiene packages. The campaign is meant to strengthen the support the hospital offers to the female patients during their menses. It looks at creating a period of celebration, compassion, care and comfort for the female inpatients.

Like Akampurira*, during their menstrual periods, many patients experience shortages of what to use and yet this season for them is in itself more strenuous. With their mental state unstable, they need extra support to facilitate care and comfort.

With the high numbers of inpatients, the hospital is strained and needs supporter to help them support the inpatients.

*Not real name.

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