By Justina Auta

Medical experts have encouraged the public, especially women and girls to engage in regular screening for early detection and successful treatment of cervical cancer.

They made the call during a zoom meeting organised by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria and partners, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The zoom meeting is with the theme “Understanding Cervical Cancer and Its Intersection with HIV.”

The partners include: John Hopkins Programme for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO), National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) and GirlsAct.

Dr George Ikaraoha, JHPIEGO Advisor on Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PREP) and Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme (CECAP), explained that cervical Cancer was a malignant tumour of the lowermost part of the uterus.

He added that cervical cancer could be prevented and treated if detected early.

Ikaraoha identified Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection, early sexual activity and multiple sexual partners, smoking and immune system deficiency as factors that contributed to cervical cancer.

Ikaraoha, also identified long-term use of oral contraceptives, having many children, poverty, poor access to healthcare services, as well as information amid cultural beliefs as other factors.

He, therefore, encouraged regular screening as crucial for detection and treatment of precancerous conditions before they developed into cervical cancer.

“By understanding the risk factors and adhering to recommended screening schedules, women can significantly reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer and improve their chances of successful treatment, if cancer does occur,” he said.

Ms Omoseke Bamijoko, an Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Nurse with AHF, also stressed the need for early diagnosis, which she explained would enable experts to detect and treat cancer successfully.

She said: “Women living with HIV are more prone to cervical cancer and as such should go for screening every three years while others can be screened every five years.

“Also, the public should desist from stigmatising people to enable them access health care.”

She urged girls and women to seek health professionals, when they observe unusual bleeding, increase in foul-smelling vaginal discharge, persistent pain in the back and leg or pelvic.

Others, she said are weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite, vaginal discomfort, swelling in the legs among others.

Dr Lois Maji, a Programme Officer with IHVN, advised young girls to take advantage of the Federal Government’s free programme on HPV screening and vaccine to protect themselves against cervical cancer.

She emphasised  that early detection would not only reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria but would also prevent genital warts and other genital growths in women and girls.

Mrs Menakaya Atenchong, senior nursing officer with AHF, called for more investment and affordable healthcare services, public education, engagement of community leaders and utilising culturally sensitive approaches to enhance cervical cancer screening and treatment services.

Mr Steve Aborisade, AHF Nigeria Advocacy and Marketing Manager, said that cervical cancer and HIV were significant public health issues that disproportionately affect women, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Aborisade said the meeting was organised to acquaint participants with information on the relationship between HIV and cervical cancer.

“This will also enable us to discuss preventive measures, and to share the latest research and strategies for effective management and support,”he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 160 participants from across the country joined the meeting. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Abiemwense Moru

By Justina Auta

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, an International NGO, has advocated for an age-appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) to enhance health outcomes and protect children from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and abuse.

The AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, Dr Echey Ijezie, made the call in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, in commemoration of the International Day of the African Child (IDAC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day is annually celebrated on June 16 to raise awareness and focus on challenges children in African countries face in receiving quality education.

The day is also to honour those who participated in the 1976 Soweto uprising and has since become an observance day about the rights of African children.

The programme director, therefore, said “AHF’s commitment to fostering CSE stems from extensive global research, which highlights its many benefits – including reduction in early sexual engagement.

“Others are fostering a positive attitude toward sexual and reproductive health issues, reducing the tendency to engage in risky behaviours, and strengthening self-awareness.

“There is also the need to equip young individuals with knowledge to combat HIV, STIs, and unplanned pregnancies, while challenging harmful gender norms.”

Ijezie also noted that the #ProtectTheChild campaign aims to address the pushback and misinformation around CSE, which has hindered effective implementation.

He added that the organisation would be hosting a consultative meeting with students, young people and government officials on how CSE could foster health and education on June 20.

He announced that AHF Africa will also host series of events under the theme “Fostering Health and Education Through Comprehensive Sexuality Education” as part of its ongoing “#ProtectTheChild” campaign.

Ijezie said the theme aligns with the global 2024 IDAC theme — “Education for All, and the Time is Now”, to underscore the crucial role that access to education, including Comprehensive Sexuality Education, play in enhancing health outcomes for young people.

He added that “the emphasis on age-appropriate CSE stems from the increasing rates of new HIV infections and teenage pregnancies, highlighting the urgent need to equip young people with proven tools, services and information.

“Research has demonstrated that age-appropriate CSE can significantly reduce the incidence of HIV, STIs, Gender-Based Violence, and unplanned pregnancies among adolescents and young people.(NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Abiemwense Moru, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Albinism is a rare genetic disorder where the person is not born with the usual amount of melanin pigment.

Melanin is a chemical in the body that determines the colour of the skin, hair and eyes.

Most people with albinism have very pale skin, hair and eyes. They are prone to sunburn and skin cancer.

An estimated one in 20,000 people worldwide are born with oculocutaneous albinism. The condition affects people in many ethnic groups and geographical regions. According to Medlineplus.gov

Albinism is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa with estimates of one in 5,000 to one in 15,000.

According to a Cleveland Clinic report, people with albinism may experience any of the following complications: skin problems due to their light-coloured skin.

The report further said that people with albinism may be legally blind, but they can learn to use their vision over time.

One major concern about albinism is its genetics.

Cleveland Clinic said albinism is passed down through families. People are born with albinism when they inherit an albinism gene from their parents.

In oculocutaneous albinism, both parents must carry an albinism gene for their child to be born with albinism. The child has a 1 in 4 chance of being born with albinism.

If just one parent has an albinism gene, the child won’t have oculocutaneous albinism. But they will have a 50 per cent chance of being a carrier of the gene themselves.

In Nigeria, persons with albinism face numerous challenges such as discrimination, health issues which many of them complain about among others.

As a group and as individuals persons with albinism have protested against this discrimination.

The Association of Albinism in Kaduna State said that in some instances, the lives of albinos are threatened by some members of the society out of ignorance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an alarming rise in skin cancer has threatened lives of Albinos in Africa. In some instance there were fatalities.

“Two albinos in Kajuru Local Government Area and one in Zaria died. Their deaths were all linked to climate change-related issues, including skin cancer.

“People with albinism lack melanin in their skin, making them more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer.

“We are witnessing an increase in skin-related illnesses, adding to the challenges of our already difficult lives,” Mr Abubakar Adam, the Chairman of the Association of Albinism in Kaduna.

The rising weather temperature resulting from climate change has also had impacts of the plight of albinos, with risk of skin cancer becoming higher.

“We often seek refuge under trees or umbrellas to shield our skin from burning,” he further said.

Adam explained that the association also focused on raising awareness about the high cost of living affecting most adults with albinism who struggle to work during the day due to the intense heat.

But part of the solution remains public enlightenment both for general public and couples whose children and wards are albinos.

“The organisation is actively sensitising parents about the importance of ensuring their children wear protective clothing.

“This is to safeguard their skin from the sun. Moreover, we are intensifying efforts to raise awareness about cancer prevention among the albino community,” he added.

The chairman highlighted the need for more proactive measures against the harsh effects of climate change.

Similarly, African Climate Reporters, NGO, says it is committed to scaling up enlightenment on the nexus between climate change and the plight of albinos.

Mr Ibrahima Yakubu, the Head of Communication and Strategies of the NGO said the campaign would be carried out in collaboration with the African Institutes of Waste and Environmental Studies and other scientific institutions.

He said the campaign, among others, would seek to mobilise science, climate and environmental journalists and other stakeholders to raise awareness among the general public.

While public sensitisation is important in the mitigating the plight of persons living the albinism, providing treatment, care and support is equally paramount.

The Vivigold Foundation for Albinism Empowerment, Education and Healthcare, an NGO, has advocated the establishment of special health facilities with dermatologists and other skin care experts to increase access to health facilities for albinos.

Miss Vivian Ezeonwumelu, Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka, that albinos had higher risk of developing skin cancer compared to other members of the population.

Ezeonwumelu said that five members of the Anambra State Albinism Association died of skin cancer in a space of four years.

She said such deaths could be avoided if albinos had access to healthcare service and experts in albinism-related conditions.

“It is essential to shed light on the challenges faced by the albinism community in Nigeria and the importance of addressing their plights and promoting inclusion.

“Skin cancer is a significant challenge for individuals with albinism in Nigeria. Due to the lack of melanin, their skin is extremely vulnerable to the damaging effects of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

“Most persons with albinism cannot afford the high cost of preventing skin cancer. Which is why we are calling on the governments, groups and well-meaning citizens to come to our rescue,” she said.

Ezeonwumelu said there was the need to establish specialised health facilities across the country, to provide comprehensive support to address the specific health needs of the albinism community.

She said that healthcare professionals should also receive specialised training on albinism-related skin conditions to improve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer.

According to her, such specialised hospital will be a safe space to help combat stigma, provide emotional support, and facilitate access to healthcare services.

“The health facility will offer dermatological care and counselling to address the psycho-social impact of living with albinism, sun protection and skin cancer prevention, “she said.

Ezeonwumelu urged government agencies to collaborate with groups working with albinos to intensify awareness on skin cancer risks in the albinism community.

In the same vein, the Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC) has called on government to provide free sunscreen lotions for persons with albinism in the country.

Miss Joy Odigie, Executive Director, INAAC, told NAN that persons with albinism were dying from skin cancer, a disease that could be prevented through the application of sunscreen lotion.

She regretted that the high price of sunscreen lotions with high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was preventing many persons with albinism in the country from using the lotions.

“Individuals with Albinism lack melanin and therefore are susceptible to the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet radiation, including extreme sun sensitivity, photophobia and skin cancer.

“The use of sunscreen lotions and creams, wearing appropriate clothing and spending limited time under the sun can reduce the incidence of skin cancers in persons with albinism.

“Unfortunately, the price of sunscreen lotions and creams ranges from N10, 000 to N18, 000 150ml per tube and are not readily available.

“Persons with albinism are advised to apply sunscreen lotions with high SPF at least three times a day and this will amount to an individual with albinism using more than one tube every month’’, she said.

She called for continued public education about albinos and albinism as well as advocacy for the rights of albinos.

“Although they may look different from the rest of us, people with albinism have the same rights and deserved to be shown love, treated with respect and dignity’’, she said.

The executive director also urged the government to come up with policies and laws that protect the rights of people with albinism.

“The government should also ensure that those who perpetrate violence against people with albinism are brought to justice,’’ she said.

In the same vein, Mr Jake Epele, Founder/CEO of TAFAfrica, formally known as Albino Foundation, urged President Bola Tinubu to reinstate free cancer treatment for persons with albinism at the National Hospital, Abuja.

The scheme was introduced by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“As a skin cancer survivor, I know how expensive it is to treat persons with albinism who are suffering with skin cancer.

“I think the time has come for the current administration to revisit this free treatment that has been applauded by the international communities as best practice.

“So, let me use this opportunity to ask the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to instruct for this laudable programme to be revisited and reactivated.

“So that there will be hope in the Renewed Hope Agenda for persons with albinism in Nigeria, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’’ he said. (NANFeatures)

 **If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

By Victor Adeoti

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) says recurrent cholera outbreaks in the Nigeria are critically affecting children and the population at large.

Celine Lafoucrier, Chief of Lagos UNICEF Field Office, on Saturday reacted in a statement in response to cholera outbreak in Lagos and other parts of the country.

Lafoucrier said that children faced substantial health risks, particularly those under five who were prone to severe dehydration and higher mortality rate.

She urged government to focus on the provision of clean and risk-free water to prevent the spread of cholera in the country.

According to her, despite the state government’s efforts to provide water to its population, the current outbreak demonstrates the need for an urgent government focus on ensuring the water provided to the population is clean and risk-free.

“Addressing the challenges of cholera outbreaks requires a deliberate focus of state policies.

”And this include provision of high-standard water and sanitation facilities as well as strengthened healthcare systems capable of responding to the demand in times of outbreaks.

”There should be campaigns on cholera prevention to protect children and the population at large”, she said.

Lafoucrier said that good water and sanitation infrastructure play a crucial role in reducing disease outbreaks, such as cholera, which causes an estimated 100,000 deaths annually.

“Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions are fundamental in preventing and responding to cholera epidemics.

“Safe water supplies, hygienic sanitation, and effective water management are key elements in this effort.

“Ultimately, preventing cholera centers on good sanitation and hygiene practices.

“Key actions include proper disposal of faeces, eliminating open defecation, and ensuring access to potable water.

“Regular hand washing with clean, running water and soap is vital.

“Additionally, avoiding the consumption of uncooked vegetables, unwashed fruits, raw or undercooked seafood, and food from street vendors is important to reduce the risk of cholera infection”, she said.

According to her, safer water can annually prevent 1.4 million child deaths from diarrhoea, 500,000 deaths from malaria, and 860,000 child deaths from malnutrition.

She said that it could also protect 10 million people from serious illnesses like lymphatic filariasis and trachoma.

Lafoucrier, however, said that disease outbreaks ultimately hinder Nigeria’s progress in achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all.

“These outbreaks strain Nigeria’s health system, diverting limited resources from essential services like routine immunizations and maternal and child care, undermining universal health coverage.

“However, outbreaks also present opportunities to strengthen Nigeria’s health system.

“Prevention is more cost-effective than cure; thus, communities should establish systems that promote key hygiene practices, transforming them into a cultural norm,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

By Rukayat Adeyemi

In commemoration of the World Blood Donor Day, staff of Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc, on Friday donated blood to the nation’s blood bank to save lives, and as service to humanity.

The blood donation drive was through a partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service(LSBTS) and the National Blood Service Commission(NBSC) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the World Blood Donor Day is held annually on June 14 to appreciate voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood and to raise awareness of the need.

The 2024 World Blood Donor Day, which marks the 20th year anniversary of celebrating blood donors, is with the theme: “20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you, blood donors!”.

Commenting, Mr Sunkanmi Adekeye, Executive Director, Operations of Veritas Kapital Plc, said that the blood donation was done simultaneously in the insurance company’s Lagos and Abuja offices.

Adekeye said this was part of the insurance company’s Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) to the public and to also support the government’s campaign on voluntary donation into the country’s blood bank.

Adekeye explained that Veritas Kapital had keyed into the blood donation programmes since year 2022 when it partnered the NBSC in Abuja for its staff to donate blood.

The Executive Director noted that the insurance company extended the mandate to staff of its Lagos office through the LSBTS this year, as a commitment to reach more Nigerians who need blood.

“As a corporate entity, we are committed to saving lives and giving more people opportunities to live; service to humanity is the best gift of life.

“We are fully aware of the importance of blood for survival, and as a dutiful insurance firm, we are committed to support government’s campaign and effort to ensure sufficient blood supply in the nation’s blood bank.

“We need all Nigerians to live in good health and sound mind, as it is a living being that can be insured; hence our effort to also contribute and champion the course of blood donation.

Reacting, Mrs Temitope Balogun, Lead Team, LSBTS Voluntary Blood Donation Drive at Veritas Kapital, lauded the underwriting firm for partnering with LSBTS and championing the mission for sufficient blood supply in the country.

Balogun said that Veritas Kapital through its partnership with the blood donating services has joined the league of companies with life saving culture in the country.

“Veritas Kapital is now on the list of partnering companies with the LSBTS and saving lives of Nigerians,”she said.

According to Balogun,voluntary blood donation increases the availability of blood in blood bank for those who need blood urgently to survive.

She listed patients in need of blood to include: sickle cell and cancer patients, children that are anemic and need blood transfusion, accident victims, a woman who delivered of a baby with complications or bleeding, among others.

According to her, blood donation is beneficial to donors, as it helps them to shed excess iron in the heart, ascertain their blood pressure and hemoglobin level, as well as check their prostrates and weights.

Balogun advised male Nigerians to donate blood every three months and for women, every four months.

This, she said, would help in maintaining appropriate well-being as well as contribute to saving the life of others.

NAN also reports that Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc is a leading insurance company in Nigeria licensed to cover all classes of non-life insurance products and services.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Franca Ofili

Mrs Mirian Anabui, Manager Diagnostics Services NNPC Medical Services Limited (NMSL), has described blood donation as a noble act of giving that symbolises the essence of humanity.

Anabui expressed this view on Friday in Abuja at an event to commemorate the 2024 World Blood Donor Day.

The theme of the event was “20 years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You Donors!”

“We stand united in gratitude and admiration for the noble act of giving; the act that sustains lives, fuels hope, and embodies the essence of humanity.

“Today, we come together to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 20 years of giving.

“With each donation, you have provided hope to those in need, strength to the vulnerable, and reassurance to the weary,” she said.

According to her, donors have represented the spirit of solidarity and compassion; demonstrating that a single act of kindness has the power to transform lives and shape the course of our shared humanity.

She urged them to reaffirm their commitment to supporting blood donation initiatives, raising awareness and advocating for equitable access to safe blood supplies for all.

“Together, we can ensure that the legacy of giving continues to thrive and that future generations inherit a world where the gift of life knows no boundaries,’’ she said.

Delivering a lecture, Mr Oyetunde Akinloye, a educator, Blood Safety Consultant, said that the event was to create awareness for blood donations to ensure the quality, safety and availability of blood and blood products.

According to him, there is life in every drop; hence the need to give blood.

Akinloye said that blood services were vital part of the healthcare system, providing life-saving transfusion for a variety of medical conditions.

“However, maintaining a sustainable blood supply can be challenging due to factors like short shelf life of blood products, fluctuations in donor availability and increase demand for blood transfusions.

“Others are fund, high turnover of trained, skilled personnel and infrastructure/equipment,” he said.

According to him, blood transfusion situation in Nigeria lacks of reliable data.

Akinloye said that enhancing blood service sustainably should be a national blood policy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that certificates was given to donors.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Justina Auta

Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, says efforts are in place to introduce Electronic Blood Management System for effective and efficient blood service delivery nationwide.

He disclosed this at a press briefing in commemoration of the 2024 World Blood Donor Day with the theme “20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You, Blood Donors!”, organised by the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC).

The minister, who was represented by Chris Isokpunwu, Director, Health Planning, Research and Statistics, said that the idea was to ensure availability of safe blood and blood products in Nigeria.

He said “we are in the process of scaling up activities of the commission to all parts of the country, and introducing an Electronic Blood Management System to ensure effective and efficient blood service delivery.”

He acknowledged the role of blood donors in saving lives, adding that “the donation rate in Nigeria shows that over 80 per cent of blood collected are from family replacement and commercial blood donors.

“Data on the donation rate in Nigeria shows that more than 80 per cent of blood collected are from families.

“Empirical evidence shows that the most reliable and safest source of blood comes from a stable base of regular, voluntary, unpaid blood donors, rather than from commercial sources.

“The World Health Assembly resolution WHA63.12 urges all member states to develop national blood systems based on voluntary unpaid donations and to work toward the goal of self-sufficiency.”

The minister said that the use of blood and blood products had become an integral part of modern medical practice as access to safe blood and blood products was critical to achieving an effective health system.

“With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria’s estimated blood need is about two million units per annum.

“Unfortunately, much less is currently donated, leading to avoidable deaths, morbidities, or ill health, particularly among our womenfolk, newborns, and victims of road traffic accidents and insurgency.

“This situation can improve if only one per cent of our country’s adult population commits itself to voluntary non-remunerated blood donation regularly,” he said.

Also, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, the Director-General, NBSC, said “blood donation plays a critical role in saving lives and strengthening the healthcare system in the country.”

According to Yuguda, transfusion of blood and blood products help patients to live longer and with higher quality of life.

“Additionally, blood transfusion supports complex medical and surgical procedures, thus, making it indispensable in maternal and childcare, as well as during man-made and natural disasters.

“Recent data indicates that more people are dying from lack of access to blood and blood products than communicable diseases in developing countries,” he said.

Dr Walter Mulombo, the Country Representative, World Health Organisation (WHO), said Nigeria is one of the 16 African countries with 80 per cent of blood donation from voluntary blood donation.

Mulombo, who was represented by Dr Hamzat Tayo, however, stressed the need to create awareness on blood donation as the total number of blood collected was still low at 5.2 units per one thousand population.

Mohammed Ibrahim, the Chief Route Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), emphasised the need for more voluntary non-remunerated blood donors.

According to Ibrahim, the goal is to save lives and to see that injury and death are reduced by five per cent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other highlights of the commemoration include conferment of awards to notable blood donors and engagement and advocacy with the media, community and religious leaders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Justina Auta

Two NGOs,  Civitas Auxillium Foundation (CAF) and BHAJ Helping Arm Foundation, on Friday, donated essential items to schools in Wassa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Abuja.

The NGOs specifically distributed sanitary pads and hygiene kits to female  students of Moving Star International School, Holy Trinity Academy, Welbired Academy and ECWA Zion Academy, all in Wassa IDPs Camp.

Mrs Elizabeth Duile, the Chief Operating Officer of CAF, said that the idea was to create awareness on menstrual hygiene management, and to dispel some myths and beliefs surrounding menstruation among underprivileged children in the camp.

She said “we need to create more awareness and empower the children with the right knowledge about how to take care of themselves on days when they have their menstrual flow.

“Shockingly, while we were having the lecture, some of the girls said they use rags, tissue paper and other things that are not appropriate for menstrual protection.

“So, it is important that we create awareness by educating and empowering them with the right knowledge,” she said.

Duile acknowledged the challenges of accessing menstrual pad for people in IDPs camps, urging government and other stakeholders to implement policies that would ensure provision of facilities and materials for their well-being.

“There is need to have toilets in the schools, especially for the girls to be able to have access to clean water and sanitary pads, and for them to freshen up without disrupting their learning.

“This is because we had cases of girls who do not come to school whenever they are on their period, as they rather stay at home because there’s no toilet in school,” she said.

Similarly, Dr Adejoke Ogundana, BHAJ Helping Arm Foundation, said the students were educated on menstrual hygiene management to reduce risk of infections during their menstrual cycle.

“We were able to educate them on proper menstrual management and ways to access hygiene products and breaking stigma.

“We did not limit it to just the girls; the boys were also included so that they can support their sisters and friends, instead of embarrassing or stigmatising them.

“We delivered these messages also in their native languages to really impact knowledge into them and also help them to be responsible in their environments,” she said.

Maryam Ibrahim, a junior student of the school, expressed appreciation to the NGOs for the support.

“I am so happy with this gifts,  I always used rags during my menstrual period because my mother here in the IDP camp cannot afford to buy me sanitary pads,”she said.

Similarly, Reuben Obadiah, another student said that he learnt lot on maintaining good hygiene,  how to support girls when the need arose, and to fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV).”

Speaking on behalf of the schools, Mrs Chidimma Obiegwue, a teacher in Moving Star International School, said that the gesture would reduce student challenges of accessing sanitary pads and absent from school during menstrual period.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu