By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
WASH Media Network has visited Government Secondary School, Antigha in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State to promote hygiene education and distribute sanitary pads to female students.
The event was aimed at supporting schools in promoting safe water practices, proper sanitation and responsible menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls.
Coordinator of the group Mr. Archibong Jeremiah, emphasized the importance of a safe learning environment, highlighting the school’s inadequate water and sanitation facilities, despite its proximity to government authorities.
He said, “We wanted to ensure that students learn in a safe, serene and conducive environment.”
Secretary Abenmire Williams urged boys to avoid stigmatizing female students during menstruation and encouraged girls to discuss menstrual health challenges with trusted adults.
He said, “Such behaviour could discourage girls from attending school or participating fully in academic activities.”
The WASH Media Network’s efforts address a critical need, as many schools in Cross River State lack access to clean water, sanitation facilities and menstrual hygiene resources.
Representative of the Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria, BORDAN, Mr Augustine Oyongha, educated students on safely managing water sources and protecting water infrastructure.
Oyongha warned that contaminated water sources can lead to health issues, saying, “When the water source is contaminated, you are eating faeces.”
The principal of the school, Mrs Valarie Ekpenyong Henshaw, expressed appreciation to the WASH Media Network and its partners for selecting the school as a beneficiary of the outreach.
The school faces severe water challenges, threatening the required hygiene standards.
Henshaw thanked the organization for their support, saying, “We appreciate your efforts in promoting hygiene education and providing sanitary pads to our students.”
Similar initiatives have been undertaken by other organizations, such as the BrenCare Foundation, which marked World Menstrual Hygiene Day by distributing sanitary pads to students in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
The Cross River State government has also partnered with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, AHF, to provide sanitary pads to women and girls in underserved communities, aiming to promote a period-friendly world.
