Menstrual Hygiene: Anambra Ministry of Health Takes Awareness Campaign to Church
By Chris Chikelue
In commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Department of Adolescent and Reproductive Health, Anambra State Ministry of Health, in partnership with Achieving Health Initiatives and Jassy Millionaire Hub, has taken its menstrual hygiene awareness campaign to adolescents at St. Joseph's Anglican Church, Agu-Awka.
The interactive session, facilitated by health workers, focused on educating young girls about menstruation, menstrual hygiene, and the menstrual cycle.
Participants were taught what to expect before, during, and after menstruation, as well as the importance of maintaining proper hygiene throughout the process.
The adolescents were informed that menstruation can normally begin as early as age nine.
They were also advised that if it has not commenced between the ages of 15 and 18, they should seek guidance from parents, guardians, or healthcare professionals for appropriate advice and support.
Speaking on the importance of the programme, the Adolescent Reproductive Health Programme Officer of the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwakpadolu, explained that the outreach was organized as part of activities marking the annual Menstrual Hygiene Day observed on May 28.
“It is important to educate our children about menstruation from an early age. This knowledge helps them develop healthy hygiene practices and manage their menstrual periods with confidence and dignity,” she said.
Mrs. Nwakpadolu added that the participants were taught the proper use of sanitary materials and personal hygiene practices to help them stay clean, healthy, and free from stigma or discrimination.
As part of the outreach, sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene educational materials were distributed to the girls to support healthy menstrual practices and encourage school attendance during menstrual periods.
In addition, roll-on deodorants were distributed to the boys to promote personal hygiene and reinforce the importance of cleanliness and self-care among all adolescents.
According to her, the response from the girls was encouraging, indicating that they understood and appreciated the lessons shared during the session.
The Children's Coordinator of St. Joseph's Anglican Church, Mrs. Felicia Unegbu, commended the Ministry of Health and its partners for the initiative, noting that many parents find it difficult to discuss such sensitive topics with their children.
She appealed to the Ministry and its partners to sustain the programme and create more opportunities to engage with the children and youths of the church.
“This kind of education is very important, and we look forward to having the health workers return for more enlightening sessions,” she said.
The outreach further demonstrated the commitment of the Anambra State Ministry of Health, Achieving Health Initiatives, and Jassy Millionaire Hub to promoting adolescent reproductive health, menstrual hygiene awareness, and the overall well-being of young girls across the state.
More photos below.
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