Accra: The Star Old Students Association (SOSA), in collaboration with Women Torchbearers Worldwide (WTW), has organised a menstrual hygiene awareness programme for girls of Star Primary and Junior High School in Tema to commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day. The event formed part of global activities observed under the theme, 'Period Friendly World,' aimed at promoting menstrual health and hygiene awareness.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Kwadwo Owusu Baah, President of SOSA Tema, stated that the programme aimed to raise awareness about the challenges many girls and women face in managing menstruation safely and with dignity. He noted that the initiative also sought to address the stigma associated with menstruation while improving access to menstrual products, information, and proper sanitation services.
Madam Jennifer Benuah Acquah, a midwife at the Tema Urban Hospital, educated the pupils on proper menstrual hygiene practices and the health risks associated with poor menstrual management. She explained that inadequate menstrual hygiene could increase the risk of infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacterial vaginosis (BV), and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). She advised the pupils to change sanitary products regularly to maintain cleanliness and prevent discomfort and infections.
Madam Acquah also stressed the importance of washing hands thoroughly with soap after handling menstrual products to prevent the spread of infections and diseases. She urged parents to provide adequate sanitary materials for adolescent girls to help them remain confident and focused in school. Additionally, she educated the pupils on the proper use, cleaning, and disposal of menstrual products, including disposable pads, reusable cloths, menstrual cups, and period underwear.
Madam Anita Kwentrah, a Registered Nurse Assistant at Okanra Medical Centre, also emphasized the importance of maintaining proper personal hygiene during menstruation to reduce the risk of bacterial infections. Rev. Rosemary Amponsah Kyei-Mensah, Founder of Women Torchbearers Worldwide, highlighted that menstrual health and hygiene education was essential for protecting the dignity, health, and educational opportunities of girls. She noted that proper menstrual hygiene management helped keep girls in school and reduced the stigma associated with menstruation.
As part of the programme, sanitary pads were distributed to the girls through support from the Government of Ghana, Women Torchbearers Worldwide, and Madam Julia Acquah, an alumna of Star JHS, on behalf of her husband, Mr. James Enu, Member of Parliament for Tema West.