MoH launches girls' hygiene empowerment programme to support adolescents

The Ministry of Health (MoH) launched the Girls' Hygiene Empowerment Programme in Accra on November 21, 2024, to address water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) challenges while advancing menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in schools.

The programme seeks to improve the health and educational outcomes of adolescent girls in three selected schools: Bibiani Newtown School in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District (Western North Region), Teacher Mante Presby Primary School in Ayensuano District (Eastern Region), and Zogbeli Primary School in Tamale West (Northern Region).

Alhaji Hafiz Adam, Chief Director of the Ministry of Health speaking during the event, highlighted WASH and MHM's critical role in public health and education.

"Health is not just the absence of disease; it is the presence of conditions that allow individuals to thrive. This programme goes beyond providing hygiene kits and boreholes; it is about securing the health and future of our girls," he stated.

Alhaji Adam emphasized, "This initiative's success depends on the collective efforts of stakeholders, from government agencies to civil society organizations."

Hafez Adam, Director of TCD at the MoH, highlighted the challenges faced by many girls due to inadequate menstrual hygiene resources and facilities.

He noted that these issues often impede their education, health, and confidence.

"Access to potable water, proper sanitation, and menstrual hygiene resources also borders on gender equity. When we equip our girls with the tools, facilities, and knowledge to manage their hygiene with confidence, we empower them to pursue their dreams without hindrance," he said.

Ellen Gyakye, speaking on behalf of the Ghana Education Service (GES), expressed full support for the initiative.

She emphasized the importance of hygiene for education, describing it as "not just about convenience, but a fundamental human right." The service pledged to sustain the project's gains by fostering a supportive environment for girls in schools.

Patrick T. Syeh-Kami, representing the Scientific Footprints Foundation, underscored the importance of education in tackling menstrual stigma and ensuring a holistic approach to the issue.

"Menstrual hygiene management is not just a women's issue, but a human rights issue. It is time we break the silence and take action," he stated.

Field assessments conducted in the target schools revealed significant gaps in WASH and MHM infrastructure, including water shortages, limited access to toilet facilities, and inadequate resources like sanitary pads and waste disposal systems.

These deficiencies often lead to absenteeism, lower academic performance, and emotional distress among girls, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

In response, the Girls' Hygiene Empowerment Programme will equip the beneficiary schools with hygiene kits, mechanized boreholes, and training workshops on WASH and menstrual hygiene.

Community health workers and educators will also receive training to provide accurate information and support for adolescent girls.

The programme underscores the importance of collaboration. Representatives from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and various development partners attended the launch.

AM/KA

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