Mr Eric Opoku Agyarko, the Cluster Manager for Agortime, said the initiative sought to provide free sanitary pads to vulnerable and underserved girls in the community, helping to reduce period poverty and promote menstrual dignity.

The launch, held on the global theme: “Together for a Period Friendly World,” brought together stakeholders from the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, and the Kadjebi District Assembly.

Together, they reaffirmed their commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensuring that every girl has the resources and confidence to manage her period safely and with dignity.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Irvine Aboagye, Southern Regional Operations Manager of World Vision Ghana, highlighted the pressing need for such interventions.

“Teenage pregnancy among girls continues to rise, partly due to their dependence on boys for basic needs like sanitary pads. The Community Pad Bank is not just a donation centre it is a lifeline to protect the dignity and future of our girls,” he stated.

The Pad Bank will be replenished through voluntary community donations, with a call to individuals, institutions, and partners to contribute at least one pack of sanitary pad a month.

The initiative is expected to curb exploitation, boost school attendance among girls, and address long-standing myths and taboos surrounding menstruation.

Cynthia, a midwife from the Yadzo CHPS Compound also conducted a practical menstrual hygiene session, teaching young girls how to properly apply sanitary pads and dispose of them in a safe and hygienic manner.

Dr. Sam Suraj Issaka, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Kadjebi, praised the initiative, describing it as a vital intervention in promoting the health, dignity, and educational opportunities for girls in the area.

World Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated annually on May 28.

The day aims to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene and to promote the importance of good menstrual hygiene management and to tackle period poverty.

Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Christian Akorlie