NGO Distributes Sanitary Pads to Over 1,500 Students in Imo to Mark Menstrual Hygiene Day

A United States-based non-governmental organisation, African Immigrants Resources Centre, has distributed sanitary pads to 1,578 students in Imo State as part of activities marking the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

The distribution exercise benefited students of Casita Maria Secondary School and Comprehensive Secondary School, both located in Emekuku near Owerri. According to the organisers, the initiative was carried out under the NGO’s “Give A Girl A Pad” (GAGAP) programme, aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene awareness and reducing period poverty among schoolgirls.

Speaking during the event, the convener of the initiative, Chimezie Oji-Kalu, explained that the programme was created to help end period stigma and improve awareness about menstrual health among girls and young women.

Represented by the Imo State GAGAP coordinator, Winifred Ijeaku, she noted that the initiative goes beyond distributing sanitary pads. She stated that the programme also focuses on educating girls about proper menstrual hygiene practices in order to prevent infections, boost self-confidence, and support the education of the girl child.

According to her, maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation is important for both physical health and emotional wellbeing. She encouraged the students to practice regular bathing, use quality sanitary pads, and maintain proper care of their underwear to reduce the risk of infections.

The students were also advised to discuss menstrual health concerns with trusted adults, especially their mothers, rather than relying on misinformation from peers.

A major highlight of the event was the practical demonstration session, where the students were taught the benefits of using sanitary pads instead of unsafe alternative materials. The organisers said the awareness programme was necessary to ensure that young girls develop healthy menstrual hygiene habits from an early age.

World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual health and hygiene. The global campaign was initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2013 and officially began worldwide in 2014.