Health experts have taught school girls in Lagos about how to stay clean and healthy during their periods. They said that when girls have the right information, they feel more confident and can manage their periods better.
The experts also talked about how many girls cannot afford good sanitary pads, which can harm their health and make it harder for them to stay in school.
They explained that teaching girls about menstrual hygiene early helps them understand their bodies and make better choices.
The experts shared this information at the 2025 Cerba Lancet Nigeria Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event. At this event, over 1,000 girls from Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ojo, were given free sanitary pads by the company.
Dr. Fred Obiajulu, Medical Director at Cerba Lancet Nigeria, said the goal of the programme is to support gender equality, reduce health problems, and help girls feel strong and informed.
He said, “If girls are healthy, the whole society benefits. But if girls are held back, society does not grow. That’s why we are doing this—to teach them how to take care of their health from the beginning.”
Dr. Obiajulu added that the programme supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on good health and well-being.
He said, “Girls are very important to reaching these global goals. A healthy girl means a healthy future for everyone. Any place that does not support its girls will not move forward.”
He explained that the programme is focused on teaching girls what happens when they start their periods and how to take care of themselves.
“This is a chance to help them understand their bodies and how to stay healthy. Awareness is the first step to empowerment,” he said.
Dr. Obiajulu also explained more serious health problems like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). He said PCOS cannot be prevented, but it can be managed with proper medical care.
“PCOS causes small cysts in the ovaries and affects hormone balance and periods. Treatment depends on each person. A doctor will check hormone levels and other signs before giving the right care,” he explained.
Temitope Ambrose, who works in business development at Cerba Lancet Nigeria, said the programme, called Pad-Up, has been running for eight years.
“Cerba Lancet is an international health company with a strong focus on community service. We follow SDG 3 and *Pad-Up* is one of our main projects. Sometimes we run it once or twice a year,” he said.
“We go to both city and village areas so that every girl can benefit. We are proud to help girls learn, feel confident, and stay clean during their periods,” Ambrose added.
Captain Yakubu Haruna, the school commandant, said the programme was very useful and came at the right time. It helped answer many questions students are usually shy to ask.
“Today’s event was very helpful and important. It gave our students a better understanding of their periods and how to take care of themselves.“We have been waiting for a programme like this to teach them how to stay clean and dispose of sanitary pads properly,” he said.
Mrs. Musa Janet, the school matron, said the training will make a lasting difference for the students.
“This training is very important, especially at their age. Some of them learned that it’s normal if your period stops for a while as a new beginner—it usually comes back.“They now know what signs to look for, like irregular or strange-colored periods, which could mean infection. They also understand how long a cycle should be. This knowledge gives them confidence,” she explained.
