AHF and Nasarawa State Agencies Distributes Sanitary Pad, Launches Pad Bank Initiative
World Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28, was initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2013 and first celebrated in 2014. The day aims to underscore the significance of proper menstrual hygiene management globally. The theme for the 2024 celebration is ‘Period friendly world.’
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In celebration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Advocacy and Marketing for AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) in Benue State, along with the Nasarawa State Menstrual Hygiene Management Project, partnered with the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency to distribute sanitary pads to female students across the states.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28, was initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2013 and first celebrated in 2014. The day aims to underscore the significance of proper menstrual hygiene management globally. The theme for the 2024 celebration is ‘Period friendly world.’
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Steve Aborisade, the head of AHF, announced plans to set up a pad bank in Angwan-Jukun, Makurdi, Benue State. During the distribution of sanitary pads and a lecture to over 100 young girls in the Angwan-Jukun community, Aborisade elaborated that the pad bank would assist young girls in managing menstrual care issues. He stressed the need for awareness creation and comprehensive sex education for young girls and revealed plans to collaborate with other partners to ensure the pad bank is always stocked for emergencies.
Peter Uche, a member of the State Assembly and Chairman of the Committee on SDGs and NGOs, highlighted the necessity for menstrual healthcare and commended AHF for the initiative, encouraging its expansion to other communities.
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In addition, the Nasarawa State Menstrual Hygiene Management Project, in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency, celebrated the 2024 International Menstrual Hygiene Day by distributing sanitary pads to 54 female students at the Government Special School, Lafia. Patience Ayaka, the project’s focal person, stated that the theme, ‘Together for a period-friendly world,’ emphasized the importance of menstrual hygiene for reproductive health.
Ayaka pointed out that the project is particularly focused on assisting vulnerable girls with disabilities to manage their menstruation with dignity. She urged everyone to unite in breaking the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation, saying, “Let us work towards creating a world where every girl and woman can be free from the constraints of menstrual shame and fear.”
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The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chairman of the State’s Disability Rights Commission, Sale Barde; Head of Civil Service, Abigail Waya; General Manager of the State’s Water Board, Ahmed Kana; and the State’s Menstrual Hygiene Management Project pad ambassador, Tabitha Abimiku.
