The Florence Osarentin Development Initiative, FOSADEV has commemorated World Menstrual Hygiene Day with a sensitisation programme for students of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH Staff School.
The initiative done in collaboration with Marie Stopes International, MSI Nigeria and the Development for Underserved Communities, DUC Foundation, reached about 200 students and teaching staff, with the aim of improving menstrual health awareness, reducing stigma and promoting healthy hygiene practices among adolescents.
The programme began with an interactive question-and-answer session to assess participants’ knowledge of menstruation. Responses showed that many of the students first learned about menstruation in school rather than at home, highlighting a gap in parent-child communication on reproductive health issues.
Facilitators from MSI Nigeria subsequently delivered an age-appropriate session on sexual and reproductive health, addressing misconceptions about menstruation, promoting healthy practices and encouraging open discussions among participants.
To reinforce the lessons, organisers distributed educational materials and sanitary pads to female students while also encouraging boys to support their female peers and contribute to breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation.
According to the organisers, post-session feedback indicated a significant improvement in participants’ understanding of menstrual health, with many students expressing greater willingness to discuss menstruation openly with peers and trusted adults.
The programme also enhanced the capacity of teachers to provide menstrual health education and support within the school environment.
FOSADEV said the intervention reflects its commitment to advancing adolescent health education and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), through strategic partnerships and community-based initiatives.
