A pivotal meeting was held between representatives of the Centre for Human Rights, Health, Ethnic Harmony and Livelihood Development (CHHELD) and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB) to discuss the ongoing Advocacy for Legislative Action on Menstrual Health (ALAM-H) project; a transformative initiative aimed at improving menstrual health and hygiene for young females in public secondary schools across Khana Local Government Area (LGA). The meeting took place at the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board office and brought together key representatives from both organizations.
The meeting commenced with an introduction of attendees and a review of the objectives behind the engagement. CHHELD representatives provided a comprehensive update on the progress of the ALAM-H project, which targets 10 public secondary schools across the four districts in Khana LGA.
Research conducted by CHHELD revealed that a significant number of female students are unable to afford commercial sanitary pads. They often resort to improvised alternatives such as plantain leaves, tissue paper, and worn-out clothing, which pose serious risks to their health and hygiene. This alarming discovery underpins the rationale for the ALAM-H project, which is designed to ensure that young girls have access to proper menstrual hygiene products, with environmental sustainability in focus.
During the discussions, CHHELD informed Dr. Joy Tonye Wihioka (Director, Community Health Services, RSPHCMB) and Dr. Jaja Emem about the extensive consultations carried out with local community stakeholders to ensure that all four districts in Khana LGA benefit from the initiative, ensuring equitable distribution and avoid concentrating resources in one area. During the deliberations, CHHELD formally requested the partnership and institutional support of the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board to implement the ALAM-H project in Khana LGA effectively.
In response, Dr. Wihioka expressed strong support for the project, acknowledging its importance. She highlighted how poor menstrual hygiene can lead to health complications, including infections, social discomfort, and even complications during childbirth. She assured CHHELD on the following:
- To issue an official acknowledgment letter to CHHELD upon completion of a review of the reusable eco-friendly sanitary pad designed for distribution.
- To assign the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) in Khana LGA to work with CHHELD, ensuring seamless project execution and successful rollout of the menstrual hygiene initiatives.
This strategic engagement between CHHELD and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board marks a significant milestone in advancing menstrual health and hygiene for young females in Khana LGA. With the support of the Board, the ALAM-H project is poised to make a lasting impact on the well-being of adolescent girls and pave the way for sustainable menstrual health initiatives across Rivers State.