NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Period poverty: UNICEF leads advocacy on menstrual health management in Oyo
Health

Period poverty: UNICEF leads advocacy on menstrual health management in Oyo

283 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Olatunde Ajayi

According to the the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), inadequate access to resources has continued to undermine ability of girls and women to manage their menstruation healthily and respectfully.

The UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, Mr Monday Johnson, stated this at a media dialogue organised by UNICEF in collaboration with Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation on Thursday in Ibadan.

He noted that a greater percentage of women often faced stigmatisation, isolation and other forms of rights violations while observing menstrual period.

Menstrual Hygiene Day, being observed every May 28, is dedicated to promoting better understanding about menstruation, raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene and to break down the existing social taboos associated with menstruation.

The theme for 2025 celebration is “Together for a Period Friendly World.”

The UNICEF specialist affirmed that the theme shared the vision of a world where every woman could manage their menstruation with dignity, confidence, and safety.

He called for integration of comprehensive menstrual education into school curricula and community programmes to dispel myths and normalise conversations about menstruation.

According to him, ensuring that menstrual products are accessible and affordable is a fundamental right of women and girls.

“Governments, NGOs, and private sectors must collaborate to provide free or subsidised menstrual products to those in need.

“By educating our girls and even our boys, we foster a supportive environment where menstruation is understood and respected.

“Schools, workplaces, and public spaces must be equipped with clean and adequate water supply and disposal options.

“Some schools lack adequate water, sanitation and hygiene facilities needed by girls and female teachers to manage menstruation,” Johnson said.

He also called on parents especially fathers to support their girl child during menstruation, noting that research had shown that voices of fathers in supporting girls during menstruation have been very low.

“We need to have voices of parents, boys, government and NGOs supporting girls during menstruation against all taboos and myths about menstruation,” he said.

Similarly, UNICEF’s Social Behavioral Specialist, Mrs Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, charged community leaders and influencers to actively involved in promoting menstrual health education.

This, she said, could be achieved through supportive networks that would ensure that girl or woman did not feel isolated or ashamed because of their menstrual period.

“We need to break silence, menstruation should not be seen as a taboo topic. We need to create an open dialogue where people feel comfortable discussing their menstrual health without fear of ridicule or shame,”she said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade, commended UNICEF for championing campaign for menstrual hygiene in Nigeria.

He expressed renewed commitment of Gov. Seyi Makinde’s led administration to all UNICEF activities in Oyo state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Vivian Ihechu

Menstrual Hygiene Day: FCT Women Affairs mobilises support for girls
Health

Menstrual Hygiene Day: FCT Women Affairs mobilises support for girls

320 total views today

 

By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Wednesday, mobilised residents of the territory to support the girl child during menstrual period.

The Mandate Secretary, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, made the call in Abuja, at an event organised to commemorate the 2025 World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

Benjamins-Laniyi called on residents to support the Administration quest to make the FCT period-friendly.

According to her, it is time to prioritise educating the girl child on biological makeup which should not be a hindrance to accessing quality education.

She said that the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration was already prioritising the development of the girl-child through impactful education, psycho-social interventions.

She added the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud was equally mobilising relevant stakeholders to ensure the optimal development of the girl-child in the FCT.

“When you come across a girl with menstrual stains, please do not mock or shame her, support her the best you can,” she pleaded.

The mandate secretary described the theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World”, as “a call to action” for everyone to ensure that menstruation did not limit girls’ access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.

She said WAS would continue to partner with non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to ensure that schoolgirls had access to sanitary resources.

She identified some of the resources as menstrual pads, towels, deodorants, body Sprays and other materials that would make girls confident during their monthly flow.

Benjamins-Laniyi also called on school administrators and managers to ensure adequate supply of water, stressing that a lot of girls stayed away from school during their monthly flow due to lack of water.

“Girls need resources that will make them comfortable during their menstrual period.

“They also need a conducive environment to change and dispose of used sanitary pads,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

UNICEF promotes menstrual hygiene for girls
Health

UNICEF promotes menstrual hygiene for girls

281 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

 

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has encouraged girls to embrace menstruation with pride and confidence, recognising themselves as vital contributors to humanity’s sustainability.

 

 

 

Mrs Aderonke Akinwole, Social and Behavioural Change Specialist at UNICEF, gave the advice during an event on Wednesday organised with the Nigeria Girls’ Guild and Lagos State Primary Health Care Board.

 

 

 

The event was held to commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHDay) and was attended by students from both public and private schools across Lagos.

 

 

 

With the theme ‘Together for a Period Friendly World’, the event aimed to raise awareness and promote dignity in menstrual hygiene.

 

 

 

“When a girl begins menstruation, it should be celebrated. It signifies her transition into womanhood and her ability to sustain life.

 

 

 

“They should be proud, and seek accurate, helpful information to remain safe, clean, and healthy during their period,” Akinwole said.

 

 

 

She emphasised that girls must not feel ashamed, as menstruation is a natural part of womanhood and a symbol of female dignity.

 

 

 

She urged the state government to increase sensitisation efforts and include menstrual hygiene education in school curricula, religious settings, and community platforms.

 

 

 

Akinwole also warned against stigmatisation, especially from boys, and called for boys to be educated to respect menstruation as part of girls’ lives.

 

 

 

“Girls should understand the menstrual cycle even before it starts. This should be part of health education in schools, churches, mosques, and communities,” she said.

 

 

 

She explained that girls need awareness on menstrual hygiene management and should know how to prepare for their periods in a healthy, informed way.

 

 

 

Mrs Honfor Adesola, Director of Education at Lagos State Primary Education Board, commended UNICEF’s support in promoting menstrual hygiene and addressing issues affecting girls.

 

 

 

Adesola highlighted that maintaining menstrual hygiene is vital in preventing infections and ensuring comfort throughout the menstrual cycle.

 

 

 

She noted that the event also helped to raise awareness about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine available free in health centres across Lagos.

 

 

 

“We’re here to mark MHDay and to engage girls on HPV awareness. The state government has provided the vaccine, and sensitisation must continue,” she explained.

 

 

 

She encouraged girls to discuss the HPV vaccine with their parents to gain consent, ensuring protection against cervical cancer.

 

 

 

“The vaccine is safe, effective, and accessible in state facilities for girls aged nine to fourteen, but many have not yet been vaccinated,” she added.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Ethagah Divine, Head Girl of New Estate Baptist Secondary School, Surulere, called on NGOs to provide sanitary pads for girls.

 

 

 

She urged more campaigns and rallies to distribute free menstrual products, like UNICEF did, to promote hygiene and dignity during menstruation.

 

 

 

Miss Emmanuella Azubuike, a student of the same school, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and partners for the impactful menstrual hygiene awareness event.

 

 

 

“This programme has expanded my knowledge on menstrual hygiene and HPV. More NGOs should support these campaigns to reach and educate more young girls,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Menstrual Hygiene Day: 89 girls get reusable pads from Rotary
Health

Menstrual Hygiene Day: 89 girls get reusable pads from Rotary

249 total views today

By Folasade Akpan

To commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, Rotary District 9127 distributed reusable sanitary pads to 89 girls on Wednesday at Junior Secondary School, Wuse, Abuja.

The initiative is part of Rotary’s ongoing efforts to promote menstrual health and reduce school absenteeism among girls.

Ms. Frances Bekey, Chair of the Empowering the Girl-Child Initiative Committee, stated that the initiative aims to combat stigma and misinformation surrounding menstruation.

“Menstruation is often misunderstood, stigmatised, and sometimes treated as a disease,” she said.

The campaign, she added, sought to educate girls, promote dignity, and ensure their continued school attendance by providing affordable, reusable, and eco-friendly menstrual products, along with improved hygiene facilities.

“So, when we get them to understand that and to be proud of themselves, we are removing the stigma.

“We’re also removing barriers. We don’t only distribute sanitary towels; we ensure they have proper toilet facilities to manage their periods effectively,” Bekey explained.

District Governor, Mr Michael Nwannoshiri, highlighted menstrual hygiene education as a key empowerment tool, aligning with Rotary’s global mission to improve youth welfare and gender equity.

Several students shared their personal experiences during the event.

Rahab Ezekiel, a JSS 3 student, described menstruation as challenging due to pain, lack of access to sanitary pads, and difficulty finding clean environments to change.

Another student, Victoria Onyekwu, recounted her first menstruation as an embarrassing experience until her mother educated and encouraged her.

She urged girls not to feel ashamed and stressed the importance of proper hygiene during menstruation.

“There are other girls who have experienced the same thing. Just keep clean with water and dispose of your sanitary towels properly,” she advised.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed globally on May 28, aims to raise awareness about the persistent inequalities surrounding menstrual health and hygiene.

The 2025 theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World,” calls for collective action to ensure that menstruation does not hinder girls’ education, health or opportunities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

CAPRIGHTS-VP advocates fair treatment on Child Domestic Workers
Health

CAPRIGHTS-VP advocates fair treatment on Child Domestic Workers

250 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Kemi Akintokun

 

 

 

The Centre for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP) is advocating for stronger protection of child domestic workers (CDWs) from maltreatment.

 

CAPRIGHTS-VP made the call during a school sensitisation outreach held at Idimu Junior College, Lagos State, with the theme: “Protecting Child Domestic Workers from Maltreatment”.

 

Leading the engagement, Mrs Coker Olufunmilola, the Advocacy Manager for CAPRIGHTS-VP, educated students using Yoruba language.

 

This was in line with the school’s observance of Yoruba-Speaking Day, observed every Wednesday in Lagos State public schools.

 

She taught the students about their five basic rights as children, of which are the right to education, health, safety, family life, and recreation/play.

 

She emphasised that while some child domestic workers received fair treatment from their guardians or employers, many others were deprived of these rights and endured harsh living and working conditions, with limited access to education and healthcare.

 

Coker reminded the students that the Child Rights Law stated that “at all times, the best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration”.

 

She called for collective efforts to protect children serving as house helps (commonly referred to as Omo-Odo).

 

“Every child has the right to education, just like each of you here today.

 

“No child should be deprived of this right, as education is the foundation of a brighter future.

 

“Education helps shape children into responsible adults and plays a major role in reducing the number of dysfunctional families in our society,” she said.

 

As part of the outreach, Programme Coordinator of CAPRIGHTS-VP, Mrs Mercy Joshua,and the Security Protection Officer, Mrs Agatha Chinedu engaged the entire student body in three smaller groups for focused, interactive conversation

 

CAPRIGHTS-VP sensitisation outreach at the Idimu Junior College in Egbeda, Lagos State, with the theme “Protecting Child Domestic Workers from Maltreatment”.

 

During these sessions, some students acknowledged that CDWs were indeed present in their school.

 

They committed to reporting any observed cases of abuse whether among fellow students, within the community, or at home.

 

During the session, a male student, asked, “What about CDWs who are not being maltreated what should we do then?”.

 

The team responded by affirming that CAPRIGHTS-VP and the government were pleased when CDWs were treated with dignity, as that is the right way to treat them.

 

They urged the students to still report if they witness the mistreatment of any CDWs.

 

Students and teachers were encouraged to report any case of child abuse or maltreatment, particularly those involving CDWs, to CAPRIGHTS-VP.

 

The organisation assured that all reports would be handled confidentially and appropriately referred through CAPRIGHTS-VP’s partnerships with government ministries, health institutions, and other NGOs.

 

The CAPRIGHTS-VP team also demonstrated how to call the toll-free helplines 0800 800 8001 or 0800 004 4444 emphasising that these calls were completely free and were set up to remove all financial barriers to reporting.

 

The Principal of the school, Mr Olajide Idowu, expressed deep appreciation to CAPRIGHTS-VP for their consistent commitment and sacrifices in championing the rights of vulnerable children.

 

He encouraged both teachers and students to make use of the toll-free lines to report any case of abuse or rights violations.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that no fewer than 900 students and 20 teachers attended the sensitisation outreach. (NAN)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

 

Soludo’s wife establishes pad banks in 300 schools
Health

Soludo’s wife establishes pad banks in 300 schools

222 total views today

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, says she has established pad banks in 300 schools across the state as part of her pet project, Healthy Living Initiative.

Mrs Soludo disclosed this in a message in Awka on Wednesday to mark the 2025 World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

She said that the initiative was her own approach to helping school girls whose academic focus could be affected during menstruation and related emergencies.

Mrs Soludo stressed the need to provide immediate solutions for menstrual emergencies in schools, so that girls caught off guard could confidently rely on the pad banks.

“Official data say that an estimated 37 million women and girls in Nigeria are unable to afford sanitary pads and only rely on unhygienic alternatives.

“The data reinforce World Health Organisation and United Nations Children’s Fund finding that poor water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure hinders safe and dignified menstruation for women and girls.

“Other data say that only two in five schools globally offer menstrual health education and just one in three have bins for menstrual waste.

“These figures challenge key stakeholders to find practical solutions to address the root of the problem while the situation remains reversible.”

She called for intensified campaign to reach more women and girls currently facing menstrual hygiene challenges.

The governor’s wife noted that the growing number of women, especially girls, in urgent need of menstrual support makes it essential for stakeholders to re-strategise their campaign approach.

According to her, menstrual health remains the right of every girl-child.

She encouraged girls at the designated schools participating in the pad bank project to use the supplies with confidence.

Mrs Soludo assured them that her NGO was fully committed to restocking any of the pad banks that run out of sanitary products. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

FG, FCT schools pledge to sustain menstrual hygiene education, access
Health

FG, FCT schools pledge to sustain menstrual hygiene education, access

233 total views today

By Justina Auta

Representatives of FCT secondary schools and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs have pledged to sustain efforts to close menstrual hygiene education gaps and improve sanitary product access, continuing the Tabitha Cumi Foundation’s initiative.

They made the commitment on Wednesday during the baseline dissemination meeting for principals and vice principals under the Always Keeping Girls In School (AKGIS) project.

The project is funded by Charities Aid Foundation (CAF America) and implemented by Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF) in Abuja.

Mrs Nendirmwa Ohah, Programme Manager at TCF, said the study aimed to establish a detailed baseline of various qualitative and quantitative indicators of the AKGIS project to guide its activities.

She explained that the findings revealed menstrual education gaps, limited access to sanitary pads, poor hygiene facilities, harmful taboo practices, and low awareness of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) among the 140 respondents.

“The AKGIS project aims to increase retention of 1,600 marginalised girls by providing hygienic sanitary materials and accurate information on menstrual hygiene management in FCT, Lagos and Benue States.

“We need to drive the sustainability of these programmes ourselves. Community-led or school-led initiatives are essential, where girls can access this information in schools and clubs.

“No girl should be left behind on menstrual hygiene management and information because it is a normal biological function,” she emphasised.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs (FMoWA), noted that menstrual health had long been shrouded in stigma, misinformation, and neglect in spite of being a vital aspect of public health, gender equality, and education.

Represented by Mrs Gloria Michael, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of FMoWA, she commended TCF for supporting women and girls in managing their menstrual periods safely and confidently.

“Many girls are forced to miss school or drop out entirely, undermining their potential and perpetuating cycles of poverty.

“I am proud to say that Tabitha Cumi Foundation has given hope to these downtrodden girls.

“We are expanding menstrual hygiene education, supporting local production and distribution of sanitary materials, and advocating for menstrual-friendly policies in MDAs, schools, and public institutions.”

The minister added, “Our aim is clear: no girl should ever have to choose between her education and her period.

“We know this is not a task government can achieve alone. It requires collective action from all stakeholders,” she said.

Also, Dr Safiya Tamanuwa, Deputy Director of the Placement and Gender Unit at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), said the agency would ensure that findings from the project’s impact were addressed.

“We have seen the positive impact on our girls. It came at a timely moment because some principals, especially men, did not fully understand menstrual hygiene management before this sensitisation,” she said.

Abdurazaq Ademola, Principal of Abuja School of the Deaf, Kuje, said, “Tabitha Cumi Foundation has intervened in the menstrual hygiene situation.

“In the past, some of our students used rags or other materials during their menstrual cycle.

“But now, through the intervention supplying pads in schools, our students have access to sanitary products and have learned to maintain proper hygiene during their periods.”

Hajiya Gold Fatima, Principal of Junior Secondary School, Area 11, added that students attended classes more regularly and did not stay home during their menstrual cycles thanks to the AKGIS project.

She said, “When girls come to the office for assistance during their periods, we quickly provide help, enabling them to feel free and stay in class to attend lessons.”

Mr Ikpangetor Isaac, Head Teacher of FCT School for Children with Special Needs, Kuje, expressed appreciation to the organisation for empowering girls with special needs with information and sanitary products to manage their menstrual cycles.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Cee-Hope urges action against menstrual poverty
Health

Cee-Hope urges action against menstrual poverty

264 total views today

By Lilian U. Okoro

The Cee-Hope Foundation Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation, has urged the Federal Government to implement effective policies aimed at ending period poverty in the country.

The organisation’s Founder and Executive Director, Ms Betty Abah, made the appeal during a conference held to mark ‘2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day’ on Wednesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day is marked annually on May 28 to break taboos and raise awareness on menstrual hygiene’s importance.

This year’s theme is: ‘Together for a Period-Friendly World.’

Ms Abah expressed concern that many women and girls suffer from period poverty, resorting to rags, toilet paper, and unsafe materials during menstruation.

She highlighted how this affects education, noting many girls miss school for up to five days monthly to avoid shame from potential menstrual stains.

She urged the government to introduce policies providing free sanitary pads to schoolgirls across the country.

“Government must do more to combat widespread period poverty.

“Period poverty affects millions of girls in both rural and urban areas, making them skip school to avoid stigma and embarrassment from menstrual stains.

“We are urging government to learn from other nations. Kenya, since 2014, distributes sanitary pads monthly to public schools.

“As a result, school absenteeism due to lack of menstrual products has drastically reduced in Kenya.

“In Rwanda, the government has removed all taxes on menstrual hygiene products,” she added.

Speaking also, Life Coach, Mrs Anka Amurawaiye, condemned the marginalisation of the girl child, saying lack of pads should not be a concern.

She stressed that every girl deserves the chance to realise her full potential, without menstruation being a barrier.

She urged the government to eliminate all taxes on menstrual products, stating this would significantly reduce period poverty nationwide.

Mrs Aderonke Oyelake, State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, called for joint action against gender-based violence, especially sexual abuse.

She said the government, teachers, parents, and religious leaders must intensify awareness campaigns and reporting on gender-based violence.

According to her, many still do not know that laws and penalties exist for sexual abuse against children.

“There must be more awareness. Many people don’t realise child sexual abuse attracts life imprisonment with no option,” she stated.

Ms Adedoyin Amurawaiye, a registered nurse, educated students on proper menstrual hygiene and correct sanitary pad usage.

She advised girls to maintain high hygiene standards during menstruation, including bathing two to three times daily.

The event included distribution of menstrual packs and was attended by about ten students from various Lagos schools. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

C’River, AHF partner to provide pads to underserved communities
Health

C’River, AHF partner to provide pads to underserved communities

210 total views today

By Christian Njoku

The Government of Cross River State on Wednesday in Calabar agreed to partner with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) to provide sanitary pads to women and girls in underserved communities across the state.

This was disclosed by Mrs Edema Irom, Commissioner for Women Affairs, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during an engagement with four secondary schools in Cross River to commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

The event featured the distribution of sanitary pads to students of West African Peoples’ Institute (WAPI), Government Secondary School Lagos Street, Calabar, Henshaw Town Secondary School, and Government Secondary School Akim by AHF.

NAN reports that Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28 to emphasise the importance of breaking taboos, ensuring access to quality menstrual products, comprehensive period education, and period-friendly facilities.

The theme for the 2025 observance is “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”

Irom called on line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations, and communities to collaborate in ensuring that sanitary pads were provided in public places.

“The greatest challenge we have had as a ministry is the provision of pads. Even when pads are made available, another challenge is the lack of water and proper toilet facilities in schools.

“It will shock you to know that many women come to the ministry to ask for pads, and many girls resort to exchanging sex for as little as money for sanitary pads,” she said.”

The Advocacy Manager of AHF, Mr Steve Aborishade, said that menstruation goes beyond hygiene issues and includes the need for a conducive environment for girls to manage their periods comfortably.

He noted challenges such as lack of access to sanitary products, water, and the stigma and taboos associated with menstruation.

“We are pushing for a society where menstruation is not seen as a problem but as a normal part of life for young women and girls.

“We hope to end the era where girls use unsafe materials that cause health complications instead of sanitary towels,” Aborishade said.

Mrs Gertrude Egbole, Principal of WAPI, represented by Mrs Ofem Okoi, a teacher, thanked AHF for the engagement, adding that menstruation was taken seriously at the school.

One beneficiary, Miss Destiny Udoaka, an SS1 student of Henshaw Town Secondary School, expressed her happiness at receiving sanitary pads from AHF.

She also commended AHF for involving boys in the engagement, explaining that it helped them understood menstruation was natural and not shameful.

NAN reports that the AHF menstrual hygiene programme is also ongoing in Abuja and Benue State. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Menstrual Hygiene Day: UNICEF engages pupils on proper practices in Sokoto
Health

Menstrual Hygiene Day: UNICEF engages pupils on proper practices in Sokoto

342 total views today

By Muhammad Nasir

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Sokoto State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), has engaged pupils in promoting proper menstrual hygiene practices.

The event, which held at the Turaki Government Secondary School, Sokoto on Wednesday, marked the 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed globally on every May 28.

This year’s theme is ‘Together for a Period Friendly World.’

Speaking at the event, Hajiya Rabi Mohammad, a medical professional with the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), expressed concern over the challenges faced by pupils in managing their menstrual hygiene.

She emphasised the importance of menstruation and its impact on women’s overall health, underscoring the need to adopt proper hygiene practices to avoid potential health complications.

“Menstruation is a monthly biological process with significant health implications for women.

“It is important to maintain hygiene before, during, and after menstruation to prevent infections,” she said.

Mohammad explained that menstruation was not an illness, adding that there was no reason for girls to feel ashamed.

“Girls should feel confident to speak with their parents, guardians or teachers about any changes they experience, especially those who are yet to begin menstruation, to receive proper guidance,” she added.

Mohammad also stressed the importance of proper disposal of used sanitary materials, urging the students to always ensure cleanliness during their periods.

Speaking, Hajiya Aisha Ahmed, Gender Desk Officer at the Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), commended UNICEF and other development partners for their efforts in promoting a healthier and productive future for the children.

She described the event as a crucial step toward strengthening the state’s commitment to healthcare and the wellbeing of all citizens.

Zainab Ibrahim, a WASH Assistant at Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI), encouraged the pupils to prioritise sanitation during menstruation.

She reiterated the importance of celebrating the day and assured that COOPI would continue to engage with children and women to safeguard their health and future.

Earlier, Malam Lukman Mudassir, the Vice Principal of the school, thanked UNICEF and RUWASSA for supporting the students and pledged the school’s continued efforts in promoting hygiene and sanitation.

The event featured the distribution of sanitary pads, a health education session, and a question-and-answer segment with demonstrative presentations on menstrual hygiene. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Bashir Rabe Mani

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email