By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Kwara Government in collaboration with Adolescent friendly NGOs, on Wednesday in Ilorin distributed menstrual pads to 100 school girls at the Kwara State School for Special Needs.
Speaking on the sidelines of the programme, Mr Buhari Oladimeji the Adolescent Health and Development Officer of the Kwara Ministry of Health, explained that the event was a commemoration of the World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
He explained that the day celebrated every May 28th, was shifted due to the Eid-Adha celebration holiday in State.
Oladimeji stated that Menstrual health is a fundamental aspect of human rights, dignity, and public health.
He added that the day is also dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management (MHM).
“We are commemorating the day by associating ourselves with the vulnerable in the community especially adolescent girls with special needs, ranging from the blind, deaf and the intellect impaired,” he said.
Oladimeji also observed that good menstrual hygiene is crucial for the health, well-being, and empowerment of girls in the State.
“It plays a critical role in enabling women and girls to reach their full potential,” he said.
He advised the girls to be confident and not feel ashamed with what he described as a normal biological process.
Oladimeji emphasised the need to sensitize the girls on the misconception, cultural and religious taboos surrounding menstruation.
In her appreciation remarks, the Principal of the School, Hajia Rasheedat Jubril commended the government as well as development partners for reaching out to the students and sensitizing them on menstrual health hygiene.
Jubril stated that the sensitization will help female students to understand and prioritize the health of their body, adding that the health education will linger in their memory for long time.
Mrs Kudirat Adeleke, a Registered Nurse at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), also sensitized the students on the importance of cleanliness during menstruation.
She advised the students not to be scared about menstrual cycle, adding that it is just a regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus.
