Vice President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reiterated the connection between menstrual hygiene challenges and absenteeism among female students.

She made the remarks during a symbolic donation of 40,000 boxes of sanitary pads and related products to 29 beneficiary schools in the Upper West Region. She emphasised government’s commitment to sustaining the nationwide distribution of free sanitary pads to girls in both primary and secondary schools.

The distribution, carried out under the auspices of the Vice President, forms part of a government policy aimed at addressing period poverty across the country.

Presenting the items to selected basic and second-cycle institutions, including special schools in the region, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the initiative seeks to remove financial barriers linked to menstrual hygiene while boosting the confidence of female students.

She noted that challenges related to menstrual hygiene contribute to absenteeism among girls, a factor that informed the implementation of the programme under the administration of John Dramani Mahama.

The Vice President also urged students to remain committed to their education in order to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, expressed appreciation for the intervention, stating that improved menstrual hygiene support would enhance school attendance and the well-being of female students.

The initiative is expected to benefit up to two million girls from Primary Five to Senior High School, as part of ongoing efforts to promote menstrual health and improve school attendance nationwide.