Tope Olaiya
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria will on this year’s Menstrual Health Day (MHD) host an event at Government Senior Secondary School, Jabi, FCT, Abuja; Ibesikpo Secondary Commercial School, Nung Udoe, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; and in Agyogoyo Angwan-Jukun community, Makurdi, in Benue State, on Tuesday, May 28, to fight period poverty and eliminate the harmful stigma surrounding menstruation that keeps women and menstruating people of all ages from thriving.
Menstrual Health Day, observed annually on May 28, raises awareness about the importance of menstrual health education and resources. AHF uses its commemorative events to distribute free sanitary pads and advocate for effective menstrual health management for all who need it.
This year, AHF Nigeria is having a multi-state commemoration to reach more young women and girls with menstrual health education and awareness and distribute free sanitary pads to as many girls as we can reach out to in our states of operation. Beyond these, AHF Nigeria is also working through some CSOs and CBOs to distribute free sanitary pads to young women and girls in communities across our program states.
In Abuja, Uyo and Makurdi, AHF officials in collaboration with partners will be hosting engaging outreach events to provide awareness and education about menstrual health management issues and as well distribute free sanitary pads to young women and girls at these events. There will also be live radio engagements in Abuja, Uyo and Makurdi to propagate menstrual health management education widely.
“To end period poverty, AHF Nigeria is poised to place menstrual health issues as a key national agenda, and it is in this regard that we are committing resources to creating greater awareness in the general population and bringing different stakeholders to join the conversation. Young women and girls, irrespective of their location or social status must be able to have their periods in a safe and conducive environment and without the difficulties that a lack of access to sanitary products presently constitutes,” said Dr. Eche Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Program Director.
An estimated 1.8 billion people menstruate globally, yet 500 million will experience period poverty—including the lack of access to menstrual health products, safe and clean facilities, and accepting communities. These barriers, along with stigma, can lead to poor health outcomes, missing school or work, and adverse effects on mental health. This Menstrual Health Day – let’s end period poverty and end the stigma.
