The Kwara government, in collaboration with development partners, on Friday, sensitised adolescent girls of Government Girls Day Secondary School (GGDSS), Pakata, Ilorin, on menstrual hygiene and distributed reusable pads in the state.

The programme is in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the European Union’s Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (EU-SARAH).

Speaking at the programme, the adolescent desk officer of the Kwara ministry of health, Buhari Oladimeji, emphasised the importance of menstrual hygiene education.

According to him, it is important for adolescent girls to be educated with the knowledge and resources needed to manage menstruation confidently.

He called for the integration into the school curriculum of a subject/course to promote healthy practices among young girls.

“Adequate and constant menstrual hygiene sensitisation amongst adolescent girls would help them access accurate information on personal health and wellness,” the official said.

Mr Oladimeji commended UNFPA, noting that the distribution of reusable pads and the enlightenment campaign form part of the state government’s efforts to support adolescent girls.

He also advised mothers to build closer relationships with their daughters, particularly during adolescence, to provide guidance and prevent misinformation.

Also speaking, a resource person for the UNFPA, Kafayat Afolabi, explained that menstruation is a natural sign of puberty and not a disease, and cautioned the students against drug abuse during menstruation.

She emphasised the importance of proper handwashing, correct care of reusable pads, and healthy practices.

Ms Afolabi enjoined the students to wash the reusable pads with clean water and ordinary detergent, and to dry them properly under the sun before use.

A representative of the school’s management, Shakirat Obalowu, commended the state government for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful for the girls.

She observed that the initiative was a reflection of the government’s commitment to promoting adolescent health and well-being.

(NAN)