McPherson University Student Drives Girl-Child Health Advocacy, Reaches Over 200 Girls in Community Outreach

A 300-level Public Health student of McPherson University, Fathia Afolabi, has expanded her community impact initiatives, shifting from educational support programmes to targeted girl-child health advocacy across neighbouring communities.

Through her Afolabi Fathia Foundation, she recently organised a “Pad a Girl Outreach” at Ajebo High School, where sanitary pads were distributed to more than 200 schoolgirls, alongside structured health education sessions aimed at improving menstrual hygiene awareness and overall wellbeing.

The initiative builds on her earlier humanitarian intervention, which included sponsoring WAEC examination fees for students, reflecting a growing commitment to educational and health-focused community development.

The outreach programme featured expert-led sessions delivered by Ms. Aremo Oluwabunmi and Ms. Olajumoke Ogunleye, who addressed key adolescent health issues including teenage pregnancy awareness, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal imbalance, and menstrual hygiene management.

The sessions were described as interactive and educational, creating a safe environment for students to ask questions and gain clearer understanding of sensitive health topics often surrounded by stigma or misinformation.

Speaking at the event, Fathia Afolabi emphasized the need for structured health education for adolescent girls, noting that many young people grow up without access to accurate information about their bodies and reproductive health.

She stated that the initiative was designed to bridge that gap by providing education, guidance, and open conversations that empower girls to make informed decisions and protect their future.

According to her, community-based interventions remain critical in addressing menstrual health challenges and reducing the social barriers that affect girl-child development.

The outreach also reflects the broader institutional culture at McPherson University, where students are encouraged to combine academic training with practical community engagement and social impact initiatives.

University observers note that such programmes contribute to shaping socially responsible graduates who are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with leadership capacity and civic responsibility.