Experts offer menstrual health education in Lagos, empowering schoolgirls with sanitary pads and reproductive health knowledge to boost confidence and wellbeing

Medical experts have educated over 1,000 schoolgirls on menstrual health and hygiene in Lagos, emphasising that access to accurate information boosts confidence and wellbeing.

Also read: Pad Me A Girl Initiative empowers over 500 girls in Menstrual Hygiene Day outreaches

The event, organised by Cerba Lancet Nigeria as part of its 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, was held at the Nigerian Navy Secondary School in Ojo.

Attendees were given free sanitary pads and taught about menstrual hygiene management and reproductive health.

“When a girl is healthy, society is healthy. Suppressing the girl child leads to the regression of any society,” said Dr Fred Obiajulu, Medical Director at Cerba Lancet Nigeria.

“That’s why we’re anchoring this project—to train them to manage their reproductive health from the onset.”

Obiajulu stated the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 and helps promote gender equality. He explained that empowering girls with menstrual health knowledge prevents complications and allows them to make informed decisions.

The programme also addressed more complex topics such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. “PCOS disrupts hormonal balance and periods. It can’t be prevented, but proper management is essential,” Obiajulu said.

Temitope Ambrose, Head of Business Development and Marketing, said the Pad-Up initiative has been running for eight years.

“We reach rural and urban communities alike, ensuring no girl is left behind. Our aim is to empower them with knowledge, confidence, and improved hygiene,” he added.

Captain Yakubu Haruna, Commandant of the school, welcomed the session as “educative and timely”, noting that it addressed concerns often left unspoken.

“It comes at the right time to teach our students how to manage their periods and dispose of pads properly.”

Also read: “Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative” empowers IDP women, girls with reusable sanitary pads, menstrual hygiene education

School Matron, Mrs Musa Janet, praised the long-term benefits of the training. “They now understand cycle differences, what irregular periods mean, and when not to panic. The clarity they received today is invaluable,” she said.