Justice Development and Peace Initiative (JDPC), Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have inaugurated distribution of 1,000 packs of reusable sanitary pads to rural women and girls in Abuja.

The Executive Director of JDPC Abuja, Rev. Fr. Solomon Uko inaugurated the event at Dagiri Community, Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Friday.

He said the initiative was in continuation of the programme to promote healthy living and environmental care.

Uko emphasised the importance of the collaboration between organisations in enhancing the human personality and fostering community development in the country, commending UNFPA for partnering with JDPC.

He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the pads effectively and adhere to the health instructions provided.

“We appreciate God for this great intervention and thank JDPC and UNFPA for this initiative.

“Women play a vital role in development of the society and it is crucial they use these items properly to take care of their health,” he said.

The partnership, according to him, reflects the Catholic Church’s commitment to social interventions and support for women’s health and education in Abuja Archdiocese.

The representative of UNFPA, Jachi Ojukwu, emphasised the importance of maintaining healthy hygiene practices amidst the economic challenges in the country.

“The reason why we are here is to ensure our women and girls always maintain healthy hygiene.

“Providing reusable menstrual products is a crucial step, especially given the economic situation the country is facing now.

“It is worthy to note that to enhance menstrual hygiene and support women’s health, the UNFPA donated 800 reusable menstrual pads to the women and girls of the Daghiri community.

“This is our little way to support these women to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” she said.

Ojukwu highlighted the need to uphold the dignity and health of women, pointing out the unhygienic and undignified practice of using clothes as menstrual pads.

“The danger of using clothes as married person, such women might face fertility problems because of infection that can occur as a result of using clothes for monthly flow,” she added.

The Executive Director, Beyond Development for Africa’s Youth Advancement (BDAYA), Yager Benjamin stressed the importance of providing a healthy and safe environment for menstrual hygiene amidst economic challenges.

“The economic situation affects both rural and urban communities, making it difficult for many to afford regular sanitary pads.”

Benjamin revealed that the initiative originally targeted 600 beneficiaries but was expanded to reach 1,000 due to the overwhelming need and commitment to the community.

On his part, the Director of Programmes JDPC, Mr Timothy Ejeh, said that with the collaboration of UNFPA and the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), over 300 women and girls have benefited from this initiative before now.

He expressed gratitude for the support received and called for more support to reach out to more communities with this intervention.

“We are most grateful to CBM; initially we provided menstrual hygiene cards to over 300 women and girls here.

“Today, we continue our commitment by bringing more support to those who were not attended to previously,” he said.

Speaking on the theme, Menstrual Hygiene Management, Ms Felicity Nneoma, YPP, FCT and UNFPA Coordinator, said that the reusable pads, if properly maintained could be used for three to four months.

“I am begging you to please avoid using these reusable pads if you know you won’t be able to maintain good hygiene and handle it as shown here. This is for your good,” she warned.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that kits distributed include reusable sanitary pads, soap, underwear, and other essential items to the beneficiaries drawn from rural communities in the area.(NAN