The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has highlighted the pressing issue of limited access to menstrual hygiene, emphasizing the need to address stigma, cultural taboos, and inadequate menstrual health resources.
According to Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Program Director, the organization is committed to ending period poverty in Nigeria.
The lack of access to sanitary pads has severe consequences, including:
- Girls missing school and dropping out
- Increased risk of transactional or intergenerational sex
- Reduced ability to negotiate safer sex
- Increased risk of acquiring HIV
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To commemorate Menstrual Health Day, AHF Nigeria will host events in Calabar and Abuja, empowering young women and girls with accurate information and knowledge on menstrual health. The organization will also distribute free sanitary pads, both disposable and reusable.
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Dr. Ijezie emphasized the need for government support, calling on the government to invest in making free sanitary pads available to young girls across Nigeria. The organization is committed to expanding access to accurate information and providing free sanitary pads to complement the efforts of other stakeholders.
Globally, nearly 2 billion people menstruate, yet 500 million experience period poverty. AHF Nigeria’s efforts aim to address this issue and promote menstrual health and dignity for women and girls.
Dr. Ijezie called on all stakeholders to join the movement, saying, “This Menstrual Health Day, let’s fight period poverty and end the stigma.” By working together, we can promote menstrual health and dignity for women and girls in Nigeria and beyond.
