We are breaking the stigma associated with menstruation — Maden Healthcare Foundation

… Distributed emergency menstrual hygiene kits to 35 schools

Nigeria — May 21st — June 2nd, 2024

Maden Healthcare Foundation, an NGO dedicated to menstrual hygiene, school health, and medical missions, successfully commemorated World Menstrual Hygiene Day with a comprehensive campaign spanning from May 21st to June 2nd, 2024.

The campaign reached over 7,200 females and impacted 35 schools across 15 states (Delta, Adamawa, Lagos, Gombe, Imo, Edo, Kaduna, Plateau, Kano, Kogi, Anambra, Kwara, Ekiti, Ogun States) including Abuja, in collaboration with various partners such as the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Young Doctor’s Forum (YDF), 37th All Nigeria Rotaract Multidistrict Team, Kayuoto Ltd, Medical Community Development Service Corps Emure Ekiti, Like Minds Reconnect Educational Initiative, Network of Women with Disabilities, The Nigerian Red Cross, Delta State Branch (Oshimili Division); St Peter’s Anglican Church, Ogharefe; Girl Child Advocacy, Nigerian Medical Students Association and the Delta State University Medical Students as well as other donors.

The nationwide initiative aimed to raise awareness and provide essential support for menstrual hygiene management, targeting both urban and rural communities. Through the distribution of emergency menstrual hygiene kits to schools and sanitary pads, social media campaigns, health talks, radio interviews and an essay competition, the campaign addressed the critical needs of women and girls, fostering an environment of health and dignity.

Dr. Ese Agbatutu, the Founder and Executive Director of Maden Healthcare Foundation, emphasized the campaign’s significance: “Our World Menstrual Hygiene Day campaign underscores our commitment to improving menstrual health across Nigeria. By partnering with various organizations like MWAN Young Doctor’s Forum and Rotaract etc, we have amplified our reach and impact, ensuring that thousands of women and girls have access to the resources and education they need.”

Highlights of the campaign included:

• Distribution of emergency menstrual hygiene kits to 35 schools

• Distribution of sanitary pads to over 7,200 females.

• Educational sessions on menstrual health in 35 schools.

• An essay competition for secondary school. students.

• Collaborative efforts with MWAN Young Doctor’s Forum, Rotaract, and other local partners.

Representatives of various partnering organisations noted the importance of such collaborative efforts. “Working with Maden Healthcare Foundation has enabled us to extend our community service initiatives to critical areas of health education and support. This campaign has demonstrated the power of partnership in driving meaningful change;” said Miss Emmanuella Ememu the chairperson of the local organising committee of the 37th All Nigeria Rotaract Multidistrict team.

The World Menstrual Hygiene Day campaign by Maden Healthcare Foundation and its partners has made a substantial impact on improving menstrual health and breaking the stigma associated with menstruation. This successful initiative highlights the ongoing need for awareness and support in menstrual hygiene management across Nigeria.