The general manager of Cross River State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (CRS-RUWATSSA), Mr Oko Sunday, has emphasised the need to integrate menstrual hygiene education and nutritional support into school health programmes.
This call to action aims to improve the well-being and academic performance of young girls, particularly in rural communities.
Sunday made the call during an interactive session with LEADERSHIP after celebrating World Menstrual Hygiene and Nutrition Day yesterday in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River State.
He stressed the importance of creating safe spaces for girls and promoting healthy eating habits.
The RUTWASA general manager who spoke on the theme, “A Period Friendly World” and “Food Connects Us” emphasized on the importance of creating safe spaces for girls and promoting healthy eating habits.
He averred that the ceremony was held to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene and nutrition, particularly among adolescents and young people in rural communities and also provide an opportunity for the distribution of menstrual hygiene products and nutrition kits.
“This year we decided to take the message to the grassroots.
“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 Sunday.
Earlier, the principal of 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).
He acknowledged the efforts of the state government to restore normalcy in Akpabuyo.
Miss Promise Eyo, a participant at the event, while sharing her excitement, said, “What I won’t forget is that if we can’t get sanitary pads, we can use clean white cotton material.”
The event reinforced the global call to action for improved access to menstrual hygiene products and nutritious food, particularly in underserved communities.
