Ho: Gov’t urged to make menstrual products affordable to address period poverty

Health officials and stakeholders in the Volta Region have urged government to make menstrual products affordable.

Stakeholders believe improved school sanitation facilities and stronger action against menstrual stigma can help girls remain in school.

The calls were made at the region’s delayed commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, organised by the Volta Regional Health Directorate with support from UNFPA.

Although the day is observed annually on May 28, the Volta region deferred it to October, bringing together school children and out-of-school girls for the celebration.

The event also saw the participation of boys to help promote understanding and support for their peers.

The Acting Deputy Director of Public Health for the Volta Region, Dr. Hectoria Awekeya, said many women and girls still face period poverty because menstrual products are either unavailable or too expensive.

She appealed to government, development partners and other stakeholders to help make these essential products affordable and accessible.

“Majority of women are still facing period poverty because the menstrual products are either unavailable or they are available at a price they cannot afford.”

“So we are calling on all well-meaning people of the world and government to push the reduction of prices for menstrual products and make them affordable to even the vulnerable population.”

Dr. Awekeya explained that the programme was also intended to prepare girls to manage their periods confidently, both at school and at home.

She stressed that menstruation is a natural biological process and should never be a source of shame.

The Member of Parliament for North Dayi, Joycelyn Tetteh, said no girl’s education or aspirations should be interrupted because she cannot afford menstrual products or access appropriate facilities.

Speaking on the theme, “Together for a Period-Friendly Ghana,” she highlighted government’s free sanitary pads programme as an intervention to reduce the burden on families and support school attendance.

She, however, stressed that sanitary pads must be accompanied by clean toilets, reliable water, soap, private changing spaces and safe disposal facilities, including accessible facilities for learners with disabilities.

The North Dayi MP, also encouraged parents to prepare girls before their first period and urged teachers to offer discreet assistance when girls experience menstrual difficulties at school.