Education
RCDI expands reach through water, menstrual health, climate resilience programmes – EnviroNews
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The Resource Conservation and Development Initiative (RCDI) International has recorded significant strides in improving access to safe water, sanitation, menstrual health services and environmental sustainability across underserved communities during the first half of 2026.
A review of the organisation’s activities between January and June showed a broad range of interventions implemented in partnership with government agencies, development partners and local communities, targeting some of the most pressing public health and environmental challenges facing vulnerable populations.
Among the notable achievements was the rehabilitation of a community borehole in Bonugu, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which restored access to clean water for residents and reduced dependence on unsafe sources. The intervention formed part of activities marking World Water Day and was complemented by the distribution of water treatment products and hygiene awareness campaigns aimed at preventing waterborne diseases.
RCDI also participated in a series of World Water Day engagements, including a public sensitisation campaign organised by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in Lugbe, Abuja, and a stakeholder event hosted by the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) in Kunyani Gosa, Abuja Municipal Area Council. Both events focused on promoting sustainable water management and expanding access to water and sanitation services.
Executive Director of RCDI International, Mrs. Minite Okoroh-Oviaesu, said the achievements recorded during the period reflected the impact of strong partnerships and community-led solutions in addressing development challenges.
“The first half of 2026 has demonstrated the power of partnership, community ownership and collective action in addressing critical development challenges. Through our interventions in water, sanitation, hygiene, menstrual health and climate resilience, we have continued to improve the wellbeing of underserved communities while promoting sustainable solutions that can stand the test of time,” she said.
Beyond water and sanitation interventions, the organisation intensified efforts to address menstrual health challenges through its ThriveFlow 2026 initiative, organised to commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day under the theme “One Conversation: End Period Poverty”.
The programme, held in Kwali Area Council, brought together adolescent girls, women, traditional leaders, educators and development stakeholders to discuss menstrual health issues, challenge social stigma and promote menstrual dignity. Beneficiaries received dignity kits and educational materials to support improved menstrual hygiene practices.
The initiative attracted participation from representatives of RUWASSA, the FCT Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Local Education Authority, the WASH Coordination Unit, district heads and community leaders, highlighting growing stakeholder commitment to addressing period poverty and promoting menstrual health.
In a related intervention, RCDI partnered with the FCT Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to organise a menstrual hygiene awareness programme at Federal Government Girls’ College, Bwari. The outreach equipped students with practical knowledge on menstrual hygiene management while encouraging them to challenge myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation.
Environmental sustainability also remained high on the organisation’s agenda during the review period. As part of activities marking World Environment Day 2026, RCDI collaborated with the Ministry of Environment on a tree-planting exercise at Government Secondary School, Maitama.
The initiative encouraged students to take active roles in environmental protection and climate action while promoting awareness of the need for sustainable environmental practices.
Beyond community-based projects, the organisation strengthened its engagement in sector coordination and policy discussions through active participation in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Emergencies Technical Working Group meetings and the National Menstrual Hygiene Management Technical Working Group.
RCDI said the engagements provided opportunities to contribute to discussions on emergency WASH preparedness, menstrual health programming and strategies for improving service delivery to vulnerable communities.
The organisation also supported the Community-Led Total Sanitation Plus Plus (CLTS++) open defecation free campaign in Kwali Area Council under the RUWASSA-led and UNICEF-supported WASH coordination framework.
According to RCDI, the initiative focused on promoting behaviour change, improving sanitation practices and sustaining open defecation-free communities through community mobilisation and awareness creation.
Okoroh-Oviaesu reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to expanding its impact in the second half of the year, noting that access to safe water, dignified sanitation, menstrual health services and a healthy environment remains fundamental to sustainable development.
She said RCDI would continue to strengthen partnerships and implement innovative, community-driven solutions aimed at improving lives and building more resilient communities across Nigeria.
Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja
