The Lady Pharmacists Association of Ghana is urging relevant authorities to lead efforts towards the formation of sanitary pad banks across institutions with large girls’ populations. 

They believe the initiative will improve accessibility to sanitary pads for vulnerable girls and prevent menstrual discrimination in institutions. 

The association emphasised the importance of having pad banks to allow benevolent organisations and individuals to contribute voluntarily to make a significant difference in the lives of many vulnerable young girls.

The call for sanitary material availability for vulnerable female groups has gained traction, with numerous organisations and individuals calling for improved strategies to help the girl child. 

The Lady Pharmacists Association of Ghana in collaboration with the Lady Student Pharmacists of Ghana, KNUST chapter, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) have added to the calls to improve sanitary conditions in schools to improve menstrual hygiene. 

The groups are urging institutions to lead the formation of sanitary pad banks and ensure proper sanitary facilities across the country. 

Prof Mariam El Boakye-Gyasi, the Vice Chairperson of the Lady Pharmacists Association of Ghana and the Project Lead for the LAPAG Menstrual Hygiene Project, said, “Our recommendation is for institutions with girls' population to prioritise sanitary facilities. Access to these areas is very important because, during these periods, they visit those facilities much more often.  

“And many adolescent girls are from vulnerable homes and can't afford much, including sanitary pads. “It will be very helpful if institutions have pad banks where benevolent societies and individuals can donate at will and at any time. These banks can support the girls who are not able to afford sanitary pads due to the mentioned reasons,”she said. 

Lady Pharmacists Association of Ghana in collaboration with the Lady Student Pharmacists of Ghana, KNUST chapter had launched the Menstrual Hygiene Day Awareness Campaign at the Mancell Girls' SHTS in Oduom, Ashanti Region to commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Month.

The school with a population of Eight hundred and four adolescent girls received education on menstrual hygiene.  The Pharmacists also made donations of sanitary pads, sanitary materials, and medication for managing menstrual cramps.

“We have made these donations to augment the sanitary situation here and support authorities in their efforts to ensure proper hygiene. The launch will also see quality menstrual education among these students,” Prof Mariam El Boakye-Gyasi said.

Headmistress of the Mancell Girls’ SHTS, Lydia Osei-Wusu, showed appreciation for the gesture by LAPAG. 

She indicated that, despite the insufficiency of sanitary closets, the gesture adds to the school's concerted efforts to ensure proper hygiene. 

“The private vocational school was absorbed into the free SHS system, with a corresponding increase in student population. The washroom is made of 16 water closets. I don't think the population corresponds with the number of water closets that we have. 

“For menstruation issues, including disposal of sanitary pads and all, we are bent on ensuring cleanliness and proper disposal. In some cases, some students do complain of complications but we have an infirmary with a nurse who deals with these issues. We are glad to have this opportunity and appreciate the kind gesture of LAPAG,” she said. 

Menstrual Hygiene Day is slated for the 28th of May this year.