Period Poverty Reduction Campaign (PPRC)

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Period Poverty Reduction Campaign (PPRC) across Rural Public Schools in Nigeria

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for menstrual health to be framed and addressed as a health and human rights issues, not merely a hygiene issue. (WHO,2024). A cross section of Ascending Health Foundation team (Nigeria); an affiliate of Bridging-Health Int'l (U.S.A) are on a pilot Period Poverty Reduction Campaign (PPRC) targeted at Public Schools in rural communities across Akwa Ibom State.
Dr Imabong, a pediatrician from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital presented the lecture on menstrual health hygiene and any associated stigma often typical in some rural communities. In her address, she urged the boys to be supportive and understanding of a girl stained from menstrual fluid. In a bid to foster inclusivity and to erode gender bias, Dr Imabong also lectured on Oral health hygiene. A topic applicable to both genders.

Action

  • The lecture concluded with the girls being presented with Sanitary Pads while the boys went home with oral hygiene products (toothbrushes/ paste).
  • Questionnaires were presented and data gathered for evidence-based intervention and impact analysis.

    • Campaign Goals

  • Educate girls on menstrual health hygiene.
  • Inform the students / community at large of the health risk in using reusable materials/pieces of clothes for period management and washing same in the streams where they collect water for domestic use.
  • Demystify menstruation within the school environment and community at large
  • As Human Rights Advocate, sensitize the girls on sexual harassment, rape and violence.
  • Identify champions in each school for training and mentorship for further advocacy within the school and communities at large.
  • Seek partnership with stake holders to drive and ensure sustainability.
  • Advocate for supports and government intervention to build school toilets and provide water in rural public schools to further support menstrual hygiene management, and hygiene at large as a Public Health concern in rural public schools.

    • Ascending Health Foundation team led by the Executive Director - Engr Nsisuk Owoh in the company of other executives and team members proceeded with a call to action.

  • School Champions were identified for further training, advocacy and campaign within the school and community at large.

    • We are grateful and thankful to our prime supporter BOT BUILDERS and other esteem donors for their contribution towards the commencement of the pilot Period Poverty Reduction Campaign (PPRC)program. We are appreciative of our Chief Medical Director , Dr Essien and Dr Imabong for their support. Especially thankful to the Team for their selfless drive to improve rural health. We hope to make the CAUSE a sustainable MOVEMENT.

    Reference

    WHO Statement on Menstrual Health and Rights. (2022). World Health Organization. (WHO). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news/item/22-06-2022-who-statement-on-menstrual-health-and-rights?fbclid=IwY2xjawFUpNVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWeTFztBFcpK1aWd2zC3LAHaT8-_TKzVbuM4AucW3WLwd47A0Xh-2Xzxaw_aem_dlS84_B4ecHm9uZy53ZVEg

    Pilot Period Poverty Reduction Campaign (PPRC) - Nigeria 2024.