_AMAC Sensitizes On Menstrual Health, Hygiene & Environmental Sustainability_

In a bid to address the challenges of improper waste management in the FCT, the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has launched an awareness campaign on the importance of menstrual health, hygiene, and environmental sustainability. The campaign aims to tackle the high rate of improper waste disposal in the council.

According to the Director of Environment, AMAC, Hajiya Hannatu Ibrahim, the sensitization and awareness campaign coincides with World Menstrual Day, which focuses on women and girls. She noted that plastic waste and cans constitute over 30-40% of waste, which can be recycled and processed into other finished sanitation products to meet the sanitation challenges faced by women and girls during their menstrual cycle.

Earlier, the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Mr. Christopher Maikalangu, reiterated the Council’s support for the awareness campaign to address the persistent problem of poor waste disposal within the Council.

He commended all stakeholders for their initiative to educate residents on the importance of proper sanitation and personal hygiene in preventing disease outbreaks, particularly among grassroots communities.

In response, the Vice President of the NGO and technical partner, Wonder Women Nigeria, Ms. Anne Dirkling, stated that waste recycling bins have been set up in six locations within the Council to collect plastics and other wastes, with the proceeds to be used to produce sanitation products. She emphasized that over 500 menstrual hygiene kits have been distributed to girl children, and stressed the need to educate every girl child on the importance of regular bathing, washing, and other measures to maintain personal hygiene during and after their menstrual cycle.”

The representative of Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria, “Rhoda Olayemi, hailed the initiative as a significant step towards reducing waste and supporting menstrual health, aimed at alleviating the struggles of millions of girls and women in Nigeria who face period poverty, stigma, and shame.

“Through this event, we aim to educate, empower, and inspire our communities to take action for a #periodfriendlyworld,” she said. “We will share knowledge, resources, and experiences to promote menstrual health, sustainability, and social change.”

Olayemi assured the Council of effective collaboration to create a world where every girl can manage her period with dignity, confidence, and access to necessary resources. She revealed that six communities have been identified for the awareness campaign, which will be implemented over the next six months

Garry Ochigbo, Edited By Shakirah Alabi