The AIDS Healthcare Foundation Ghana has marked the 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day with an educational outreach programme aimed at promoting menstrual health awareness, breaking stigma, and empowering pupils at the University of Ghana Staff Village School.
The event, held on 28 May 2026, brought together about 250 students for an interactive session designed to deepen their understanding of menstruation and encourage open, stigma-free discussions among both girls and boys.
Organised by AIDS Healthcare Foundation Ghana, the programme focused on equipping pupils with accurate knowledge of the menstrual cycle, promoting good hygiene practices, and encouraging boys to play supportive roles in fostering a safe and inclusive school environment.
Leading the educational session, the Country Program Manager for AHF Ghana, Dr. Ekua Houphouet, took students through an interactive discussion on the female reproductive system, stages of the menstrual cycle, and best practices for maintaining menstrual hygiene.
She emphasised that menstruation is a normal biological process and should not be a barrier to education or participation in school activities.
As part of the engagement, pupils took part in a true-or-false quiz designed to challenge common misconceptions about menstruation. Statements such as “Menstruation is a normal and natural process in girls” and “Girls who are menstruating should not attend school” were used to encourage critical thinking and correct misinformation.
Students were also educated on the physical and emotional symptoms associated with menstruation, including cramps, fatigue, headaches, mood swings, and irritability. Facilitators noted that understanding these experiences helps foster empathy among peers and teachers.
The session further included practical demonstrations on menstrual hygiene management, such as the proper use and disposal of sanitary products, the importance of regular pad changes, handwashing, bathing, and the preparation of a personal “period kit” containing essentials like sanitary pads, spare underwear, and pain relief items.
A key component of the programme was the emphasis on boys acting as allies. They were encouraged to support their female classmates by showing respect, offering help when needed, avoiding stigma or teasing, and speaking out against bullying related to menstruation.
Beyond education, the programme also included material support for students. A total of 456 sanitary pads were distributed to ensure girls had access to essential menstrual hygiene products. Organisers also shared refreshments with pupils and teachers to create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere.
In addition, branded stationery items including pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and rulers were distributed to support pupils’ academic work and reinforce the programme’s broader goal of combining health education with practical support.
The initiative is expected to improve knowledge about menstrual health, reduce stigma, and strengthen a supportive school environment where menstruation is openly discussed and properly understood.
