Welsh researchers participate in world-leading research on self-cleaning period products in rural Nepal

Researchers at the Centre for Trials Research (CTR) and Wales Centre for Primary and Emergency Care Research (PRIME Centre Wales), both funded by Health and Care Research Wales, are leading an international study in Nepal aimed at developing self-cleaning period products to reduce menstrual stigma and improve women’s health.

The team, which includes researchers from Cardiff University’s Schools of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicine and community champions in Nepal, aims to better understand the needs of sanitary product users in low- and middle-income countries, where access to single-use period products is both costly and limited.

The sanitary pads are designed to kill up to 99.999% of bacteria when exposed to sunlight using non-toxic metal catalysts, which harness the sun’s energy to kill bacteria, remove stains and neutralise odours. To clean and disinfect, the pad needs only to be rinsed with water and left in the sun for 15 minutes.

The researchers will compare their prototype pads with reusable washable pads already in use across the region.

Dr Jennifer Edwards, Principal Investigator from Cardiff University’s School of Chemistry, said: “Over an intensive two-year research and development cycle, we’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of how the fabric works in our labs. Now, it’s time to take the product to real-world communities, where it has the potential to reduce the risk of reproductive and urinary tract infections."

Rebecca Milton, a Research Associate / Trial Manager at the CTR, added: “The Nepali SunPad team members have recently carried out pre-study development and engagement work in both rural and urban communities in Nepal.

“These brief encounters with Nepali women have brought to life the impact of menstrual hygiene practices on the day to day lives of women and their families and highlighted the influence traditions, religion, education and socioeconomic status has on the choices women have in relation to their menstrual health.

“This pre-study public engagement work has helped us improve and shape the next stage of the research which is due to start in the next few weeks.”

Dr Rebecca Cannings-John, co-lead for infections and antimicrobial resistance research at PRIME said: “We are thrilled to support the evaluation of this world-leading research, and we hope it will improve access to safe and affordable period products for those who need them.”

In the next 18 months, the team will focus on the feasibility and small field trials of the product in Nepal.

Find out more about the study.

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