The government has been urged to take urgent steps toward providing a safe and supportive environment for menstruating girls to ensure proper personal hygiene and promote school attendance.Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a midwife at Eastern Regional Hospital, made the call during this year's Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration held on Friday in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern RegionShe noted that many girls skip school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products and appropriate spaces to change them.The event was held under the theme "Together for a Period-Friendly World.""The basic necessities for these girls are not being provided, creating a safe and enabling environment is crucial," Ms Boateng emphasised.She called on school authorities and policymakers to prioritise the construction of hygienic and private changing spaces in schools.She further appealed for a collective effort to address menstrual health challenges affecting girls in the community.The New Juaben North Municipal Director of Health Services, Nana Yaa Konadu, also highlighted her office's initiatives in both school-based and community clinics to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.She stressed the health implications of poor menstrual hygiene, saying, "When girls lack access to sanitary pads and a clean environment, it can negatively impact their reproductive health."Madam Konadu warned that the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities and products left some girls vulnerable to exploitation, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy.The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Mr Samuel Adongo, described menstruation as a natural biological process and not a taboo or burden.He expressed concern over the poor state of sanitation facilities in schools, adding "I have visited almost all public schools in the municipality, and none has a proper, standard toilet facility suitable for girls."Mr Adongo assured that the assembly would work to create an enabling environment to reduce school absenteeism related to menstruation. FROM YAHAYA NUHU NADAA, WALEWALE
Govt urged to provide safe, supportive environment for menstruating girls - Ghanaian Times
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Ghanaian Times