LASG pushes menstrual health as key development priority

By Ayoola Babalola

The Lagos State Government has called for greater investment in menstrual health, describing it as a fundamental development issue with far-reaching implications for education, economic productivity, gender equality, and public health.

Permanent Secretary, Office of Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs Kaphayah Sarumi, made the call on Wednesday at the maiden commemoration of International Menstrual Hygiene Day organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos.

Speaking on the theme, “Advancing Menstrual Health Management in Nigeria,” Sarumi said access to safe and dignified menstrual care should no longer be treated as a private or isolated women’s issue but as a national development priority.

“When a girl or woman can manage her menstrual cycle with comfort, safety and pride, we see the results immediately in better health outcomes, higher school attendance, increased productivity, and a stronger economy,” she said.

The event brought together students, researchers, development practitioners and advocates to examine the role of menstrual health in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Sarumi noted that global conversations around menstruation have evolved beyond hygiene concerns to include access to affordable menstrual products, education, supportive public policies, and social inclusion.

She said Nigeria had made significant progress in recent years, citing the validation of the National Policy on Menstrual Health in August 2025 as evidence of growing commitment to the issue.

According to her, menstrual health management is now recognised as a broad ecosystem that encompasses access to safe products, public education, healthcare support, gender equality, and policy reforms.

“Through the framework established by UNICEF in 2019, we now recognise menstrual health management as a comprehensive ecosystem.

“It is about breaking barriers to ensure gender equality, ensuring access to safe and affordable materials, empowering professionals with the right information, shifting social norms, and advocating for supportive policies,” she said.

Sarumi also highlighted the environmental impact of menstrual waste, urging stakeholders to invest in sustainable alternatives and local manufacturing of biodegradable products.

“The average woman uses approximately 150 kilogrammes of non-biodegradable menstrual waste in her lifetime. We cannot safeguard the dignity of women at the expense of our planet,” she said.

Advertisement

She advocated greater adoption of reusable menstrual products such as menstrual cups and period underwear as part of efforts to promote sustainability.

According to the permanent secretary, menstrual health directly supports several Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, quality education, good health and wellbeing, gender equality, and reduced inequalities.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to advancing menstrual health through partnerships with development agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector.

“Let us continue to break the culture of silence and ensure that every girl in Nigeria can walk with her head held high every day of the month,” she said.

Earlier, Director-General of the NIIA, Prof Eghosa Osaghae, described menstrual health as a human rights issue that extends beyond hygiene to include dignity, equality, and social inclusion.

He noted that cultural taboos and misconceptions surrounding menstruation still persist in many communities and continue to affect the well-being of women and girls.

“Women should not suffer discrimination because of menstruation. They have a right and a voice,” Osaghae said.

Also speaking, NIIA Research Fellow, Dr Esther Idowu, said more than two billion people worldwide menstruate, yet many women and girls continue to face barriers to managing their periods safely and with dignity.

She said menstrual health remains closely linked to the achievement of key Sustainable Development Goals relating to education, gender equality and access to water and sanitation.

The speakers agreed that improving menstrual health outcomes requires coordinated action by governments, schools, healthcare providers, communities and development partners.

Copyright PUNCH

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]