Maden Foundation Launches Community Pad Bank, Distributes 1,550 Sanitary Pads in Plateau

 

"A total of 1,550 sanitary pads were distributed during the commemoration, including supplies allocated to the newly established pad bank. Soap and other hygiene materials were also shared with women in the community." MHF 

The Plateau State Chapter of Maden Healthcare Foundation has marked the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day with advocacy campaigns, school outreach programmes, and the launch of a Community Pad Bank aimed at combating period poverty and promoting menstrual dignity among girls and women in the state.

The event, held on Tuesday, May 26, commenced with a menstrual health awareness walk from Old Airport Roundabout in Jos to the Plateau State Secretariat. The sensitisation exercise drew volunteers, medical students, health advocates, and partner organisations who educated residents on the importance of proper menstrual hygiene and the need to end stigma surrounding menstruation.

The advocacy campaign climaxed with a visit to the Plateau State Ministry of Health, where officials of the Foundation engaged the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bitrus Hosea, and other stakeholders on the need for stronger government commitment and increased investment in menstrual hygiene management.

Speaking during the engagement, the Plateau State Coordinator of the Foundation, Mr. Lamtur Lohnan Filibus, described period poverty as a growing concern affecting the education, confidence, and wellbeing of many girls, particularly those in underserved communities.

As part of activities commemorating the day, the Foundation also organised a school outreach at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, where students received education on menstrual hygiene, self-care practices, and misconceptions surrounding menstruation.

One of the major highlights of the outreach was a hands-on training on reusable sanitary pad production facilitated by the Nigerian Medical Students Female Forum. The initiative exposed students to sustainable menstrual hygiene alternatives, while sanitary pads were distributed to beneficiaries.

In a significant move to provide lasting support for vulnerable girls and women, the Foundation established the first Community Pad Bank in Tudun Wada community to improve access to menstrual hygiene products at the grassroots level.

According to the Foundation, a total of 1,550 sanitary pads were distributed during the commemoration, including supplies allocated to the newly established pad bank. Soap and other hygiene materials were also shared with women in the community.

The Foundation appreciated the support of partner organisations, including the Nigerian Medical Students Association – Standing Committee on Public Health, Build Up Africa, G51 Political Movement, and the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, for contributing to the success of the programme.

Maden Healthcare Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing menstrual health advocacy, promoting school health initiatives, and supporting vulnerable communities through sustainable healthcare interventions across the country.