The event reinforced the global call to action for improved access to menstrual hygiene products and nutritious food, particularly in underserved communities.
By TheInvestigator
The Cross River State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (CRS-RUWATSSA) on Tuesday hosted a joint celebration of the 2025 World Menstrual Hygiene Management Day (WMHMD) and World Nutrition Day (WND) at Government Secondary School, Ikot Ewa, Akpabuyo local government area.
Held under the themes “A Period Friendly World” for WMHMD and “Food Connects Us” for WND, the event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene and nutrition, particularly among adolescents and young people in rural communities.
The celebration brought together students, teachers, public health advocates, local officials, and representatives of development organisations. Key activities included awareness talks, interactive sessions, and distribution of menstrual hygiene products and nutrition kits.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager of CRS-RUWATSSA, Hon Oko Sunday emphasized the need to integrate menstrual hygiene education and nutritional support into school health programmes to improve the well-being and academic performance of young girls.
“This year we decided to take the message to the grassroots. The joint celebration highlights the interconnection between hygiene, nutrition, and education. We must create safe spaces where girls can thrive without stigma and where healthy eating habits are promoted from an early age,” said Hon Oko.
Earlier, the Principal of the host school, Government Secondary School Ikot Ewa, Mr Bassey Inyang, said he was honoured to host the event, which had students of Government Technical College Ikot Nakanda and Government Migrant Science and Technical College Esuk Ekpo Eyo (Atimbo).
Mr Bassey assumed a secure environment for the event. He acknowledged the efforts of the government in restoring normalcy in Akpabuyo.
The facilitators were drawn from the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS). Dr Nsikak-Abasi Blackie spoke on nutrition and Mrs Editing Easier on menstrual hygiene management.
The initiative received support from development partners including Save the Children, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Rhema Care, Toilet Pride, Globus Bank, and the Integrated Development Centre (IDC).
The event reinforced the global call to action for improved access to menstrual hygiene products and nutritious food, particularly in underserved communities.
Promise Eyo, a participant, shared her excitement with our reporter. She said, “What I won’t forget is that if we can’t get sanitary pads, we can use clean white cotton material.” While Edem Bassey said, “Being a boy is not an excuse; now I can monitor my sisters and support them.”
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