AIDS Health Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has promised to work with Akwa Ibom State government to set up a sanitary pad bank in Aka Community Secondary School, Uyo.
The decision was taken in line with efforts to improve the menstrual health of school children in the state.
Advocacy and Marketing Manager, AHF, Mr Steve Aborisade made the disclosure while speaking at an event to mark the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child in Uyo.
According to the foundation, it takes issues relating to women and the girl child seriously, hence the step to play a part in safeguarding the menstrual health of school girls in the state.
”It is important for school girls to have access to sanitary pads, disposal units and clean water,” he said.
In her speech, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Ini Adiakpan said the state government places high value on the education and wellbeing of the girl child.
She expressed the willingness of the state government to partner relevant stakeholders towards supporting girl children to understand their rights in the society.
The commissioner urged parents and school administrators in the state to play prominent roles in the upbringing of girl children.
She said, ”And for you girls, what you know is what makes you. Take your studies seriously and avoid unnecessary emotional distractions
”You are the future of the society, endeavour to improve the content in you, grow up to be a woman whose voice can be heard.”
Mrs Mfon Akpan, the Guest Lecturer, urged school girls in the state to maintain good menstrual hygiene in the interest of their health.
In the lecture titled, Comprehensive Health Education and Menstrual Health Management, Akpan urged school girls to indulge in safe menstrual health practices.
”It is in your interest to ensure regular change of sanitary pads and proper washing of our genitals.
”Always speak out to a more experienced person when you notice strange developments in your menstrual cycle,” she said.
Divine Favour Isaiah, a Senior Secondary School 3 student commended AHF Nigeria and her partners for their investment and push to ensure the voices of girls are heard.
The high point of the event was the distribution of sanitary pads by AHF to school girls in attendance.
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