The Citizen news site reports that Tanzania is to join Kenya and Mauritius in waiving taxes on women's sanitary pads.

Finance minister Philip Mpango revealed the change as part of yesterday's budget announcement.

It is hoped the removal of 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) from the sanitary products will make them more affordable to young girls in particular.

According to the UN's education agency, one in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa misses school during their period.

Some girls reportedly lose 20% of their education for this reason, making them more likely to drop out of school altogether.