A lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, FUT, Minna,Dr Valda Martins has warned that poor menstrual hygiene among women and girls in Nigeria is a recipe for cervical cancer surge.
Dr. Martins attributed the prevailing increasing cases of cervical cancer and other related diseases among women and girls in the country to women and girls’ unhygienic practice in the handling of their period.
She disclosed this during the launch of her book, Menstrual Hygiene Among Women, in Minna, Niger State.
Dr Martins also fingered poor menstrual hygiene management as a major contributor to the rising cases of cervical cancer and other related diseases among women and girls.
The don noted that the lack of awareness and sensitisation on menstrual hygiene has left many women and girls unable to properly manage it.
“I have interacted with over 6,000 girls through outreaches and school visits, and I was shocked to discover that 90% of them lack basic knowledge of proper menstrual hygiene.
“This is a ticking time bomb, and if we don’t take urgent action, cases of cervical cancer and other related diseases will continue to rise,” Dr Martins said.
Also speaking at the occasion, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Niger State, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hamisu Jankaro, harped on the importance of menstrual hygiene management.
“Menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue but also a human rights issue. Every girl has the right to menstrual hygiene education and resources, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that this right is protected,” he said.
