The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that 12.2 million sanitary pads have been distributed to female students across the country, benefiting 2.5 million girls as part of government’s efforts to address menstrual hygiene challenges and improve school retention.

Speaking at the Government’s Accountability Series on Monday, July 20, the Education Minister said the initiative was introduced in response to evidence that some girls were missing school or dropping out due to difficulties in accessing sanitary products.

Mr Iddrisu said although the introduction of the sanitary pad support programme by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was initially met with mixed reactions, the impact of the intervention had demonstrated the importance of addressing menstrual hygiene needs among schoolgirls.

“When Her Excellency the Vice President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, first introduced this matter of sanitary pads, there were many who didn’t appreciate it,” he said.

According to Mr Iddrisu, the government’s intervention has so far resulted in the distribution of 12.2 million sanitary pads across the country, benefiting 2.5 million female students.

“We have distributed 12.2 million sanitary pads across the country, benefiting 2.5 million female students across the country,” he stated.

He explained that the programme forms part of broader measures aimed at removing barriers that prevent girls from fully participating in education and ensuring their continued stay in school.

The Education Minister said the government would provide further details on the regional distribution of the sanitary pads when required by the media.

Responding to possible requests for further details on the distribution, the education minister said the regional breakdown would be provided when needed.

“I will provide the regional breakdown as and when the media needs more answers to it,” he said.

Mr Iddrisu also disclosed that preparations were underway to procure additional sanitary pads for the current year to sustain the programme and ensure more girls continue to benefit.

“As I speak to it, we are in the process of acquiring for this year the same quantity, or even more, of the sanitary pads for distribution to our young girls, in order that we will sustain and ensure their retention in school,” he said.

The Minister said the continued provision of sanitary pads was part of government’s commitment to promoting equitable access to education and reducing challenges that affect the participation and retention of girls in schools.