Sefwi-amoaya: World Vision Ghana, a child well-being Christian and philanthropic non-governmental organisation, has donated about 600 sanitary pads to school children at Sefwi-Amoaya in the Bodi District of the Western North Region to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event was held under the theme: 'Together for a Period-Friendly World.' Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Stephen Matey, Health, Nutrition and WASH Project Officer, Bodi Area Development Programme, World Vision Ghana, said the organisation would continue to support government efforts to improve access to affordable water, sanitation, and hygiene services for community members, especially the most vulnerable children.
Mr Matey mentioned that the gift-in-kind donation is part of World Vision's programme approach to bridge gaps in health service delivery and ensure 'life in all its fullness' for every child. He emphasized that menstrual health is a human rights issue and that everyone has a right to bodily autonomy, including the ability to care for one's body during menstruation.
He added that the donation aims to improve the health status of future leaders and that investments made now would help build a productive and disease-free country. He also appealed to development partners to support community sensitisation on the need for parents and caregivers to provide sanitary pads for the girl child.
Madam Vida Ansah, Bodi District Director of Education, commended World Vision Ghana for the gesture and encouraged parents to continue the conversation on menstruation at home. She stated that menstruation is a part of growing up and that girls should not feel embarrassed or limited because of it.
The programme was attended by staff from the District Education Directorate, Ghana Health Service, teachers, traditional rulers, clergy, and parents.