17,000 girls to get free sanitary pads in Plateau

17,000 girls are to get free sanitary pads across Plateau State courtesy the Nigeria Girl Child Association (NGCA).

Plateau State Commissioner of NGCA, Mrs. Judith Fidelis disclosed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Abok Ayuba at the Assembly complex in Jos.

Prices of pads are too high for girls from poor homes, Fidelis said, raising health concerns, she said, pleading for Legislative interventions to provide affordable hygiene and sanitation facilities to girls.

NGCA’s intervention, Fidelis said targets 1000 girls in each of the 17 local government areas in Plateau State, she said, but more was still needed, she added.

An only female legislator in the Plateau State House of Assembly and Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs, Mrs. Esther Dusu appealed to fellow lawmakers to improve access to sanitary facilities by girls.

“To have a healthy baby, we need a healthy mother”, said Dusu, worrying that young girls contact diseases at tender ages due to unhygienic menstruation management.

The House’s Speaker, Abok Ayuba said several motions had been passed by the House toward improving the well-being of the girl child and more were underway.

Abok promised to ensure the 2022 budget of the state prioritizes health and well-being of the girlchild.