By providing an accessible and tailored digital solution, this tech tool helps improve menstrual health among adolescent girls in Burundi and promotes equal opportunities in education and personal development.

Oky is a digital health solution developed by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and adapted to the Burundian context by Santé communauté développement (SaCoDé). It aims to break the taboos surrounding menstruation and provide adolescent girls with reliable information about their reproductive health. Oky was launched in May 2023 in Bujumbura.

"In the Burundian context, menstruation is shrouded in silence, myth, and taboo, and is also subject to a certain level of stigmatization," explained Clémentine Irakoze, a representative from the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS. She added, "These girls do not all have knowledge about biological changes, including the menstrual cycle, infections linked to poor menstrual practices, and some lack the means to obtain the sanitary products they need."

The Oky app, co-developed with young Burundian girls, including those with disabilities, is available on both iOS and Android platforms. According to the Google Play Store, it has been downloaded over 50,000 times. It features a cycle tracking calendar, personalized advice, and educational content presented in Kirundi, specifically adapted to local cultural norms.

By using Oky, girls can gain a better understanding of their bodies, plan activities based on their menstrual cycle, and reduce anxiety associated with menstruation. The application further empowers girls by equipping them with essential knowledge crucial for their well-being and education. UNICEF has also received support from various organizations to develop similar Oky applications in Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa.

By Adoni Conrad Quenum,

Editing by Feriol Bewa