In a significant move to promote menstrual health and hygiene among schoolgirls, Reach the Peak Initiative (RPI), a non-governmental organisation, has distributed free sanitary pads to 500 students in Lagos.

The outreach program took place at Birrel Avenue Senior High School and Herbert Macaulay Girls’ Senior High School, in Yaba, Lagos State.

Speaking during the event, Pharm. Jumoke Erinle, Co-founder and Director of Health Programs at RPI, encouraged the students to embrace menstruation as a natural part of life and to adopt healthy menstrual hygiene practices.

“Menstruation is just like any of your other natural body activities, such as sweating. It is not a thing of shame,” she said.

Erinle further advised the girls to prioritise hygiene by washing their hands and bathing regularly to manage their menstruation in a safe and dignified manner.

She also emphasised that properly handling and disposing of menstrual products would prevent infections and diseases.

Director of Communications and partnership and Co-founder of RPI, Adeyemi Olalemi, expressed concern over the rising cost of sanitary pads, which has placed a financial strain on many families.

He called on the government and corporate organisations to support initiatives that provide free or subsidised menstrual products to students.

“Planning for this program wasn’t easy. We kept increasing the budget due to the rising cost of sanitary pads, I believe the government and corporate institutions can do more to support school and community distribution programs, making sanitary pads accessible in public schools and health centers to reduce the financial burden on families.”

The Head Girl of Herbert Macaulay Girls’ Senior High School, Iyanuoluwa Adeoye, expressed appreciation to RPI for both the donations and the enlightenment session on menstrual hygiene.