The Borno Government, in collaboration with the Wash Sector and Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD), has warned that unhygienic periods can lead to cervical cancer and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) in girls and women.
In a joint awareness campaign organised by CASFOD, held at Government Women’s Day Secondary School in Maiduguri on Thursday, commemorating the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day, Borno Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, said that proper menstrual hygiene is crucial to preventing these health issues.
According to her, a staggering number of women worldwide are putting their health at risk due to unhygienic menstrual practices, leading to a heightened risk of cervical cancer, reproductive tract infections (RTIs), yeast infections, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Say, “These conditions can result in chronic pain, infertility, and even death if left untreated.”.
She explained that using sanitary pads or tampons, changing them regularly, and washing hands before and after handling menstrual products can significantly reduce the risk of infection. She stressed that the risk factors are multifaceted, with poverty, a lack of access to sanitary products, and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation contributing to the problem.
She added that some women are still using unhygienic materials such as cloth, leaves, or even ash to manage their periods, increasing their risk of infection.
She called on stakeholders for increased investment in menstrual health education and access to sanitary products, particularly in low-income communities like Borno.
“We need to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation and prioritise women’s health. As the world marks International Women’s Day, the spotlight is on the critical issue of menstrual health. By prioritising menstrual hygiene and addressing the systemic barriers that prevent women from managing their periods safely, we can work towards a future where no woman dies from a preventable condition,” said Gambo.
She also urged communities to support menstrual hygiene initiatives, promoting confidence and dignity for girls and women. The event brought together representatives from the Ministries of Education and Health, INGOs, local NGOs, as well as secondary school principals and students within Borno State.
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