By: Khalid Idris Doya
Bauchi State, Nigeria - July 24, 2025 (Series News Online)
Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone in its mission to promote menstrual health awareness across the country. The organization has successfully trained over 300 Menstrual Health (MH) Champions, a diverse network comprising health workers, teachers, media personalities, and community influencers.
According to PSI, these MH Champions are leading outreach campaigns and playing a pivotal role in reshaping public perception around menstruation. Temitope Alfred, Population Services Specialist, Communication & Training, Menstrual Health 'No-Wahala', stated, "Our goal is to normalize the conversation on menstrual health, increase access to affordable products, and create an environment where girls and women can manage their periods without shame or limitation."
As part of its creative campaign, PSI Nigeria has produced the “Time of the Month” music video, featuring Nollywood stars and music icons. This initiative aims to amplify menstrual health messages and debunk long-standing myths surrounding menstruation. Alfred explained that this campaign is part of PSI's broader effort to leverage media and culture to promote menstrual health awareness.
PSI has also supported the local production of affordable, reusable menstrual hygiene products. The organization has worked closely with regulatory bodies to upgrade community-level manufacturing standards, ensuring the availability of quality products. According to Alfred, "The MH-NoW programme is not only improving health outcomes, but also sparking a cultural shift toward greater equity, empowerment, and dignity for women and girls across Nigeria."
A major milestone for the programme was the development and official unveiling of a national Menstrual Health Manual and Facilitators’ Guide. This achievement was made possible through collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and other stakeholders. Alfred highlighted, "Journalists and media across the implementing states were trained to improve menstrual health reporting and prioritization in mainstream and social media."
The MH-NoW programme operates in six focus states in Nigeria: Bauchi, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Sokoto, and Akwa Ibom. Temitope Alfred stated, "Launched by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Iman Sulaiman- Ibrahim, during the 2025 World Menstrual Hygiene Day celebrations, the tools are now being used nationwide to drive awareness, advocacy, and improved menstrual hygiene management."
Alfred further emphasized, "Recognizing menstrual health as a public health, gender equality, and human rights issue, the MH-NoW programme is breaking barriers of stigma, limited access, and misinformation, particularly among adolescent girls and young women." He added, "Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria, through its flagship Menstrual Health No Wahala (MH-NoW) programme, is leading a bold movement to redefine how menstrual health is addressed across the country."
PSI Nigeria operates as part of a global non-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthier lives and family planning. According to the organization, "PSI is a global non-profit organization and a network of locally led, globally connected organizations dedicated to making it easier for all people to lead healthier lives and plan the families they desire." Alfred concluded, "Our health programs are delivered through a network of member organizations that work together, upholding common operating standards and ensuring global best practices, while exchanging important lessons across programs and countries."
Tags
Health