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

"The initiative will see coordinated outreach programmes rolled out in 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." Dr. Ese Agbatutu Founder MHF 

The Maden Healthcare Foundation has designated the month of May as Menstrual Health Month, unveiling a nationwide campaign to boost awareness, expand access to hygiene resources, and tackle longstanding challenges affecting girls and women across Nigeria.

The initiative will see coordinated outreach programmes rolled out in 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, though critical, remains widely overlooked in Nigeria, with millions of girls grappling with limited access to sanitary products, poor school sanitation facilities, and persistent social stigma—factors that continue to undermine their health, dignity, and school attendance.

Speaking on the campaign, the Foundation’s Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Eseoghene Okparavero-Agbatutu, described the declaration as a decisive step toward change.

“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.

Key activities lined up for the campaign include school and community-based sensitization programmes, distribution of menstrual hygiene products, and stakeholder engagement and advocacy initiatives.

The month-long campaign will culminate in 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 examine existing challenges, share practical solutions, and strengthen collective action.

It will also feature the launch of the Nigeria School Health and Menstrual Equity Network (NSHMEN), a national coalition aimed at deepening collaboration and advancing menstrual equity across the country.

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

The organisation has called on partners, institutions, and individuals to support the initiative through funding, product donations, and collaborative efforts.

Maden Healthcare Foundation is a nonprofit organisation focused on improving menstrual health awareness, reducing stigma, and increasing access to hygiene resources for girls and women across Nigeria through education, advocacy, and community outreach.