The Kwara State Government has intensified efforts to promote menstrual health awareness among adolescents by taking its sensitisation campaign to schools, with a special focus on students with special needs and other vulnerable groups across the state.
The initiative was part of activities marking the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day and was aimed at improving access to menstrual health information while encouraging open conversations around menstruation among young people.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat, the programme was organised by the ministry in collaboration with adolescent-friendly non-governmental organisations operating in the state.
The statement said the sensitisation was held at the Kwara State School for Special Needs and Government Day Secondary School, Fate-Basin, where students from different categories, including the deaf, the blind, individuals with intellectual disabilities and other vulnerable groups, participated in the exercise.
Speaking during the event, the Adolescent Health Desk Officer, Oladimeji Buhari, said this year’s commemoration was designed to go beyond the traditional activities usually associated with the annual observance.
He said, “The initiative is specifically focused on boys and male involvement in menstrual health conversations. It also targets adolescents with special needs, demonstrating the government’s determination to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing menstrual health information and support.”
He explained that the programme was designed to educate adolescents on menstrual health and hygiene while creating a safe environment where they could openly discuss issues surrounding menstruation without fear, shame or discrimination.
“One of the major objectives of the day is to help young girls understand that menstruation is a normal biological process and not something to be disturbed about,” he said.
Buhari added, “We are also seeking to challenge and dismantle the cultural, religious and social taboos that often surround discussions on menstruation by deliberately involving boys in the conversation.”
Also speaking, the Principal of the Kwara State School for Special Needs, Rasheedat Jubril, commended the Ministry of Health and its development partners for the initiative.
“The sensitisation on menstrual health and hygiene is highly important to the girls, especially those with special needs,” Jubril said.
The organisers noted that participants were provided with accurate information on menstrual health and encouraged to seek support from trusted adults and qualified healthcare providers whenever they have concerns regarding their reproductive health.