Stakeholders in the Ayensuano District in Eastern Region have called on government to complement its Free Sanitary Pad Initiative by reducing or abolition taxes on the production of sanitary pads, to make them more affordable and accessible for women and girls across the country.
The appeal was made during a ceremony to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day in Ayensuano, held under the theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.”
President John Dramani Mahama recently launched the Free Sanitary Pad Initiative, which aims to distribute sanitary pads to two million schoolgirls in public basic and secondary schools nationwide by 2025.
While the initiative has been widely commended, health officials and community leaders believe more must be done to address the root causes of period poverty.
Edith Asiedua Dompreh, Eastern Regional Public Health Nurse, lauded the government’s intervention but emphasized the need for a long-term, sustainable solution.
She also called for an end to myths, stigma and shame around menstruation rooted in cultural believes.
Adding her voice to the campaign, Abigail Ankomah, Head of Marketing,Softcare company, made a donations of sanitary pads to schoolgirls in the district and urged the government to help lower production costs for local manufacturers.
Joshua Lartey, District Chief Executive for Ayensuano, reiterated government’s commitment to improving menstrual hygiene management in schools and communities.
Meanwhile, Francis Kwoutua Apungu, District Director of Health Services (DDHS), assured that no girl in Ayensuano should ever have to miss school or suffer shame because of menstruation.
Period poverty — the lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, and sanitation facilities — affects millions of women and girls worldwide. Health experts warn that poor menstrual hygiene undermines fundamental human rights, worsens gender inequality, and deepens poverty.
Stakeholders at the event urged continued collaboration between government, private sector, NGOs, and local communities to ensure every girl can manage menstruation safely and with dignity.
Source:Mybrytfmonline. com/Obed Ansah
