Grateful and thankful to BOT BUILDERS and our other esteem donors, Dr Paulinius Essien (our Chief Medical Director), Dr Imaobong and the Team for the support towards the commencement of the pilot Period Poverty Reduction Campaign (PPRC) targeted at rural public schools in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
A cross section of Ascending Health Foundation team (Nigeria)- an affilaite of Bridging-Health Int'l (U.S.A) enbarked on health intervention drive to improve health outcome.
Dr Imabong of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital - Dept of Pediatrics graciously gave the lecture on menstrual hygiene and need to dymystify menstatration and any associated stigma typical in some rural communities. In her address, she urged the boys to be supportive and understanding of a girl who gets stained from menstral fluid. The boys were causioned not to make jest of such situations in the school or community.
In a bid to embrace the boys, Dr Imabong also lectured on Oral health hygiene. A topic applicable to both gender.
The lecture concluded with the girls being presented with Sanitary Pads and the boys were presented with tooth brushes and tooth paste.
Ascending Health Foundation team distributed questioniares to the pupils and gathered data to ensure evidenced -based intervention.
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).
Ascending Health Foundation team lead 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 advocacy and campaign
within the school and communities
which will be spear headed by one of
the Executives- Uforo Etim.
The journey continues.... ; as the team traverse other rural public schools across the state on the pilot outreach.
Reference
WHO Health and Rights. (2022). World Health Organization.(WHO) WHO Statement on Menstrual Health and Rights. (2022). World Health Organization.(WHO). Retrieved from