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By Alfred Ajayi
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria and the Nasarawa State Government have intensified calls for stronger collaboration and sustained action to combat menstrual stigma and improve access to menstrual hygiene support for girls and young women.
The appeal was made during activities marking the 2026 World Menstrual Health Day in Keffi, Nasarawa State, where stakeholders emphasized the urgent need to break harmful myths surrounding menstruation and ensure girls can manage their periods safely, affordably, and with dignity.
The event, organized by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria in partnership with the Nasarawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, brought together government officials, health workers, educators, students, and civil society actors for awareness sessions, advocacy, and distribution of sanitary pads.
Participants stressed that menstruation should no longer be treated as a taboo subject, noting that silence, misinformation, and poor access to hygiene products continue to affect the wellbeing and education of millions of girls globally.
AHF Nigeria disclosed that nearly 500 million people worldwide still experience period poverty, limiting their ability to access sanitary products and proper hygiene facilities.
Speaking during the event, the Gender Focal Person at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, Halima Aliyu Omaku, described the campaign as timely and impactful.
According to her, millions of women and girls continue to face stigma, discrimination, and inadequate information about menstruation despite growing global advocacy. “It is a privilege to be part of the 2026 menstrual health, stigma and hygiene campaign.
“This programme provides enlightenment and education on issues many people still struggle to discuss openly. We still have a lot of work to do in changing harmful norms and perceptions around menstruation,” she said.
Omaku, who reflected on growing up without access to menstrual health education, urged participants to become advocates for change within their schools and communities.
She also stressed the importance of educating boys to better understand and support girls during menstruation. “You are lucky to have this opportunity. In our time, we didn’t have it. Use it to achieve what is best for you and contribute positively to society,” she told the students.
Also speaking, Safiya Ibrahim Yahuzu, Gender and Human Rights Focal Person at the Nasarawa State AIDS Control Agency (NASACA), said many students benefited immensely from sessions on menstruation, menstrual cramps, hygiene practices, and common misconceptions.
She noted that some participants were learning about menstrual hygiene for the first time and urged girls to maintain proper cleanliness during their periods. “Hygiene is necessary for young girls at all times. You must learn to keep yourselves clean during your period,” Yahuzu said, while calling for sustained awareness campaigns in schools.
Representing the Education Area Office in Keffi, Angelina Kigbu commended the initiative and called for stronger government involvement in menstrual health programmes.
She revealed plans to establish a school club where girls would be trained to produce reusable sanitary pads, describing them as cheaper and more sustainable alternatives for students who cannot afford disposable products. “If they can make reusable pads themselves, they can teach others and expand awareness because many girls are not aware this is possible,” Kigbu said.
Some students who participated in the programme also appealed for more practical support from government and partners.
Fifteen-year-old Victoria Samson called for improved toilet facilities and free sanitary pads in schools, while Catherine Ogogi, 16, advocated stronger campaigns against menstrual myths and increased access to emergency sanitary products.
Providing practical guidance, Deborah Samuel Mamman of AHF Nigeria advised girls to change sanitary pads every six to eight hours, wash their hands before and after using menstrual materials, and maintain proper hygiene practices.
Dr. Sunday Emmanuel, an ART clinician with AHF Nigeria, said the campaign was aimed at equipping young people with accurate information on menstrual health and reproductive wellbeing.
He urged government institutions and community leaders to partner with AHF Nigeria in sustaining awareness campaigns through media engagements, community outreach, and school programmes.
The Keffi campaign ended with renewed calls for coordinated action among government agencies, schools, and civil society groups to ensure every girl can manage menstruation with dignity, safety, and confidence.
