The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with Bloom Africa and the Cross River State Ministry of Education, has distributed reusable menstrual hygiene panties to adolescent girls in both primary and secondary schools across the State.
The pilot distribution exercise, which took place at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Primary School, Akim Qua Town, Calabar, targeted girls aged ten and above, with the aim of strengthening menstrual health awareness, promoting dignity, and improving school attendance among adolescent girls.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Stephen Odey, represented by the Ministry’s Focal Person, Mrs. Evelyn Ogozi, commended UNFPA and its partners for their continued support to the state in advancing child development and welfare. He described the initiative as timely and transformative.
Mrs. Ogozi noted that the programme would help build the confidence of young girls and reduce menstrual-related absenteeism in schools, stressing that “every girl child is built for the future and deserves to be supported to reach her full potential.”
On his part, the Programme Coordinator of UNFPA Cross River Sub-Office, Dr. Andrew Kirima, reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to promoting menstrual health as part of its broader mandate to improve the reproductive health and rights of women and girls.
“This partnership with Bloom Africa, supported by Delta Air Lines, reflects our shared vision to ensure that every girl can manage her menstruation safely, hygienically, and with dignity,” Dr. Kirima said.
“Menstrual health is not just a hygiene issue, it’s a matter of health, education, and a fundamental human right for the girl child .” He pledged UNFPA continued support for reproductive health in the state.
Also speaking, Mrs. Roseline Uniamake, representative of Gender and Development Action (GADA), commended UNFPA for supporting the establishment of safe spaces in schools under the Spotlight Initiative to improve adolescent reproductive health.
She emphasized that promoting menstrual hygiene is key to empowering girls and protecting their rights.
In their goodwill messages, the Reproductive Health Coordinator, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Atim Ekpo, and the Director, Quality Assurance Department, Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Ateb Emmanuel, described menstrual hygiene as central to reproductive health and called for sustained support to ensure girls’ well-being.
On behalf of the school, the Head Teacher of PCN Primary School, Akim, Mrs. Dorathy Esuku, expressed gratitude to UNFPA, Bloom Africa, and the State Government for supporting adolescent girls, noting that the intervention would help meet menstrual needs and improve school attendance. She also expressed the need for more support for addressing broader menstrual hygiene needs for adolescent girls.
Highlights of the event included a health talk on menstrual and reproductive health, a practical demonstration on the use of reusable menstrual panties led by Mrs. Evelyn Ogozi, distribution of the reusable menstrual pants to adolescent girls, and a group photograph with participants and partners.
Affiong Asanye
