Lagos health officials tackle period poverty in schools

The Lagos State Health District IV has intensified efforts to tackle period poverty and reduce menstrual-related absenteeism among schoolgirls through hygiene education and distribution of menstrual products.

The intervention formed part of the district’s school health programme in public schools across Lagos Mainland, Yaba, Surulere, Apapa and Lagos Island.

The school health programme also included eyesight screening and health and wellness checks for students, with corrective glasses provided for those who required them.

Speaking during the programme at Lagos Mainland Junior Secondary School, Yaba, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District IV, Dr Abimbola Bowale, said the initiative was aimed at educating students on menstrual hygiene and helping girls remain healthy and comfortable during their periods without missing classes.

He noted that boys were also educated on the need to support girls and avoid stigmatising or making jest of them during menstruation.

“Menstruation is a natural, physiological experience that every woman goes through. So, there is no reason to actually stigmatise anybody, because it is not a disease. It is something that is natural.” he said.

Bowale said educating students could help change attitudes towards menstruation in their homes and communities.

He added that the district provided both disposable and reusable menstrual hygiene packs to students as part of efforts to address period poverty and improve menstrual hygiene.

The Director, Medical Services and Disease Control, Lagos State Health District IV, Dr Oludolapo Shotunde, said the intervention formed part of the district’s regular school health programme covering public primary and secondary schools in Lagos Mainland, Yaba, Surulere, Apapa and Lagos Island.

Shotunde said some girls from low-income families could not afford sanitary products and sometimes resorted to using tissue paper and rags during menstruation, leading to discomfort and school absenteeism.

She said the district was encouraging girls to use reusable sanitary pads which could last for about 18 months when properly maintained.

“We hope that there won’t be a reason why a girl would miss school because she is on her monthly period. And with that, our academic session will go on well. We have future leaders of tomorrow,” she said.

Shotunde said the students were taught how to wash, dry and maintain the reusable pads, adding that each beneficiary received two to three pads alongside hand hygiene wipes and disposable pads.

She explained that the reusable pads had absorbent and leak-proof layers and clips to keep them in place, while advising users to wash them after use and dry them properly before reuse.

She urged schools to provide functional toilets and running water to enable girls maintain proper hygiene during menstruation.

The Chief Operating Officer of Alora Pads, Glory Assam, said the company began producing reusable sanitary pads after observing girls use unsafe alternatives such as tissue paper and miss school because they could not afford sanitary products.

Assam said the pads were made from layers of fabric, including organic cotton and a leak-proof layer.

She advised users to wash the pads with mild soap, dry them under the sun and iron them where possible before reuse.

According to her, the reusable pads could last between 18 months and three years, depending on use and maintenance, making them a cost-effective option for women and girls affected by period poverty.