Kogi first lady partners NGOs on 2019 world hygiene day

Wife of the Kogi state governor, Mrs Rashida Bello, on Friday tasked stakeholders on menstrual hygiene education and advocacy for women to ensure healthy living among the womenfolk.

She said this in Lokoja, the state capital at the commemoration of the Menstrual Hygiene Day 2019 held in collaboration with Heal for Africa initiative an international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

Speaking at the event with the theme “Menstrual Hygiene Day 2019—It’s Time for Action”, she said there was the need for all stakeholders to join the advocacy and step up action on menstrual hygiene management.

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The Kogi first lady, who emphasised the urgency of the public health issue, also highlighted the transformative power of quality menstrual hygiene education and strategic Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) interventions to the overall development of the girls and women.

According to her, as the global community was working towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there was the need for stakeholders to support  adolescent girls, by educating them on how to adhere to basic hygienic methods, so as to enable them truly fulfil their potentials as key actors in achieving a sustainable and equitable world.

Mrs Bello, who is also the pioneer patron and global ambassador for Pay Attention To Her (PATH), said the menstrual hygiene empowerment and advocacy of  Heal Africa Initiatives in partnership with Rashida Bello Foundation would continue to ensure that girls and women in Kogi state could manage their periods safely, privately and with dignity.

The executive director of Heal for Africa initiative, Dr Kelechi Okoro,  emphasised on the need to make policies that accelerate menstrual hygiene education and advocacy.

She said, “With our advocacy, we are tackling menstrual hygiene challenges beyond girls and schools. We need to focus on the attitude of the people towards menstruation, sustainable products, and favourable policies.  Everyone must be involved. The boys and men, the religious and traditional leaders, government and policymakers”