AHF NIGERIA, NASARAWA GOVT PUSH FOR STRONGER ACTION TO END MENSTRUAL STIGMA

Nasarawa State Government, have called for stronger collaboration to tackle menstrual stigma and improve access to hygiene support for young girls, in commemoration of the World Menstrual Health Day 2026 in Keffi.

The event, organized by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, brought together government officials, educators, health workers, and students for awareness sessions, sanitary pad distribution, and advocacy. 

The stakeholders stressed the need for coordinated action to ensure girls can manage menstruation safely, affordably, and with dignity.

AHF Nigeria noted that nearly 500 million people worldwide are experiencing period poverty.

Speaking at the campaign, Halima Aliyu Omaku, Gender Focal Person, Nasarawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, described the initiative as timely and impactful. 

She stressed that menstruation remains a global issue affecting millions of women and girls who continue to face stigma, discrimination, and inadequate information.  

“It is a privilege to be part of the 2026 menstrual health, stigma and hygiene campaign. 

“This program provides enlightenment and education on issues many people still struggle to discuss openly. We have a lot of work to do in changing harmful norms and perceptions around menstruation," Omaku said.  

Drawing from her own experience of growing up without access to this information, Omaku urged participants to become advocates for menstrual health in their communities.

She noted that she learned new lessons on hygiene and proper sanitary pad disposal, and pledged to replicate the training through step-down sessions within the ministry and at the grassroots level. 

She also stressed the need to educate boys so they can support girls.  

“You are lucky to have this opportunity. In our time, we didn’t. Use it to achieve what’s best for you. Listen attentively so you can contribute your quota.

“Let’s open our hearts. Tell your neighbor that we can make a change. I believe I can change it," she told students.

Safiya Ibrahim Yahuzu, Gender and Human Rights Focal Person at the Nasarawa State AIDS Control Agency (NASACA), said many students benefited from education on menstruation, menstrual cramps, and common misconceptions, with some learning about menstrual hygiene for the first time. 

She urged girls to learn from others and understand the challenges around menstrual hygiene.  

“Hygiene is necessary for young girls at all times. You must also learn to keep yourselves clean during your period," Yahuzu said. 

 She called for continued awareness campaigns in more schools to reduce stigma and improve knowledge.

Angelina Kigbu of the Education Area Office, Keffi, lauded the initiative but said government involvement must go further. 

She announced that the office would start a club to train girls to make reusable sanitary pads, noting they are cheaper and more sustainable for students who cannot afford disposable products.  

“If they can make it themselves, they can teach others and expand awareness. “Most girls are not aware this is possible," Kigbu said.

In their comments, the students commended AHF and partners for the initiative, and called for more practical support. 

Victoria Samson, 15, said the session taught proper hygiene and the dangers of reusing pads, but urged government to provide toilets and sanitary pads in schools. 

Catherine Ogogi, 16, said she gained new knowledge on reusable pads and proper disposal methods, and asked for free emergency pads and stronger efforts to address menstrual myths.

Providing practical guidance, Deborah Samuel Mamman of AHF Nigeria, advised girls to change pads every six to eight hours, wash hands before and after using menstrual materials, and clean from front to back.  

Dr Sunday Emmanuel, an ART clinician at AHF Nigeria, said the campaign was part of efforts to equip young people with accurate information on menstrual health and reproductive wellbeing. 

Emmanuel urged government to partner with AHF in sustaining campaigns through media, meetings, and community outreach, and affirmed AHF’s readiness to expand education across communities.

The Keffi event underscored a shared demand for coordinated action among government, schools, and civil society to ensure girls can manage menstruation with dignity, safety, and confidence.

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