Maden Foundation Declares May Menstrual Month Flags Off Menstrual Health Month, Targets 10,000 Girls Nationwide

"The initiative will see coordinated outreach programmes rolled out across 30 states, with a target of reaching no fewer than 10,000 adolescent girls through education, community engagement, and the distribution of menstrual hygiene." Dr. Ese Agbatutu Founder MHF.

The Maden Healthcare Foundation has declared the month of May as Menstrual Health Month, unveiling a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting awareness, improving access to hygiene resources, and tackling the challenges faced by girls and women across Nigeria.

The initiative will see coordinated outreach programmes rolled out across 30 states, with a target of reaching no fewer than 10,000 adolescent girls through education, community engagement, and the distribution of menstrual hygiene products.

Menstrual health, widely regarded as a neglected issue, continues to affect millions of girls in the country. Poor access to sanitary products, inadequate facilities in schools, and entrenched cultural stigma have been identified as major barriers impacting girls’ health, dignity, and school attendance.

Speaking on the campaign, the Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation, Dr. Eseoghene Okparavero-Agbatutu, described the declaration as a bold step towards addressing period poverty and breaking societal silence around menstruation.

“Declaring May as Menstrual Health Month is a call to action. We are committed to breaking the silence, addressing period poverty, and ensuring that every girl has the support she needs to thrive. This campaign is about creating awareness, driving collaboration, and scaling impact across communities,” she said.

According to the Foundation, the month-long campaign will feature school and community-based awareness programmes, distribution of sanitary products, as well as stakeholder engagement and advocacy initiatives.

Activities will climax with a National Virtual Summit scheduled for May 30, 2026, themed “Menstrual Health Without Barriers: Voices, Solutions & Action.” The summit is expected to convene stakeholders from the health, education, and development sectors to explore solutions and strengthen collective action.

The event will also witness the launch of the Nigeria School Health and Menstrual Equity Network (NSHMEN), a coalition aimed at deepening collaboration and advancing menstrual equity nationwide.

Since its establishment in 2021, the Foundation said it has reached over 25,000 girls, distributed more than 30,000 sanitary pads, and provided critical support to underserved communities.

The organisation is calling on partners, institutions, and individuals to support the campaign through funding, product donations, and collaborative efforts.

Maden Healthcare Foundation is a nonprofit organisation focused on improving menstrual health awareness, reducing stigma, and expanding access to hygiene resources for girls and women across Nigeria.