The Kwara State Government, in partnership with some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Ilorin, has distributed menstrual pads to 100 schoolgirls at the Kwara State School for Special Needs.

Speaking on the sidelines of the programme, the Adolescent Health and Development Officer of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Mr Buhari Oladimeji, stated that the event was organised to commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

He noted that the global observance, which holds every May 28, was rescheduled in the state to avoid a clash with the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Oladimeji emphasised that menstrual health is a fundamental aspect of human rights, dignity, and public health.

According to him, 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 intellectually impaired," he said.

Oladimeji further observed that good menstrual hygiene is crucial for the health, wellbeing, and empowerment of girls in the state.

"It plays a critical role in enabling women and girls to reach their full potential," he stated. The official advised the girls to be confident and not feel ashamed of what he described as a normal biological process.

Oladimeji emphasised the need to sensitise the girls against the misconceptions, cultural, and religious taboos surrounding menstruation.

In her remarks of appreciation, the Principal of the School, Hajia Rasheedat Jubril, commended the government and developmental partners for reaching out to the students and sensitising them on menstrual health hygiene.

Jubril stated that the sensitisation would help female students understand and prioritise their bodily health, adding that the health education would leave a lasting impact on them.

Also speaking, Mrs Kudirat Adeleke, a Registered Nurse at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), sensitised the students on the importance of cleanliness during menstruation.

She advised the students not to be scared of the menstrual cycle, explaining that it is simply a regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus.