Menstrual health stands as the foundation of women’s well-being and empowerment without question. Consequently, it becomes crucial to enlighten young girls about the many wonders and complexities of menstrual and reproductive health.
Motivated by this cause, the GPSA-KNUST, together with The Lady Student Pharmacists Association of Ghana (LASPAG) embarked on a menstrual outreach program on May 24,2024 at Mancell Senior high school located at Oduom, Kumasi.
At the stroke of noon, the team arrived at the venue, welcomed with warmth by the Headmistress and the enthusiastic school staff who had eagerly awaited their presence.
Following an interview with Prof El Boakye–the team lead– by the Multimedia Ghana, the event unfolded at the dining hall of the school where over 800 female students sat, brimming with excitement about the outcome of the event.
The program commenced with an introductory message by the school’s Headmistress, followed by addresses to key team members and female lecturers participating in the outreach.
Prof El then gave a gripping speech on the history of the annual world menstrual hygiene day and the theme for the year’s outreach.
The speech’s primary concepts were that periods are not taboos and they should be experienced by the female, free from stigma while enjoying the necessary resources available for that cause.
Prof Frances, a member of the team, took over, explaining the significance of menstruation and how the menstrual cycle might be monitored. She discussed some period irregularities and how to manage them, besides some menstrual hygiene suggestions. The event covered proper sanitary pad use, illustrated by Dr Yaa Asantewaa Osei, as well as Self-branding, and grooming for girls by Dr Mercy Opare Addo.
As part of the goals for the outreach, a PAD BANK was donated to the school, and other items including hand sanitizers, tissue papers, antibacterial hand washing soaps and first aid kits.
Questions were posed at the end of the session and the young girls gleefully responded, showcasing their enthusiasm and knowledge. A heartfelt vote of thanks was delivered by a dedicated staff member of the school, and the outreach program was finalized with a photography expertly covered by Multimedia Ghana and Pharmedia.
The brilliant grins and happy spirits at the outreach’s conclusion left no doubt that it was indeed an absolute smashing success.
Surely, the Menstrual Outreach program is a beacon of enlightenment and influence, which deserves our unwavering support and reverence.
Reported by: Gyamfi Evelyn