Monrovia — The ECOWAS Commission in Liberia, with funding from the West Africa Health Organization (WAHO), on Monday launched a $40,000 reusable sanitary pads project aimed at helping schoolgirls manage their periods hygienically.

The project will adopt a two-fold approach: first, providing physical items essential for menstrual health management, and second, enhancing human and social capital through education and awareness campaigns.

This initiative is expected to benefit 10,000 girls in Montserrado, Grand Bassa, and Margibi counties.

Speaking at the launch in Monrovia, ECOWAS Resident Representative to Liberia, Madam Josephine Nkrumah, highlighted that the lack of access to and affordability of menstrual pads are significant factors forcing many young girls to miss school. This, she said, leads to the loss of the country's potential female leaders and professionals.

"When girls are experiencing their menstrual flow, they often hide it due to constant discrimination and improper treatment they receive in schools," Ambassador Nkrumah stated.

She further explained that the initiative would also address teenage pregnancy by promoting awareness about sexual and reproductive health among schoolgirls.

"We need to encourage our young girls to refrain from sexual activities that could lead to teenage pregnancies by educating them about their menstrual cycles," she emphasized.

Ambassador Nkrumah also noted that the reusable pads would contribute to environmental protection, unlike regular disposable pads that take decades to decompose.

For her part, Joetta Constance, Managing Director of Safe Pad Incorporated, one of the project's implementing partners, assured ECOWAS of her organization's commitment to producing environmentally friendly pads tailored to the needs of Liberian girls.

"We see this partnership as an honor to serve Liberian girls, especially the underprivileged," she remarked.

Meanwhile, Dr. Nuntia Nuahn, WAHO's Liaison Officer to Liberia, reaffirmed WAHO's commitment to supporting the country's health system.

Dr. Nuahn described the reusable pads project as a significant initiative that would alleviate the financial burden on parents of schoolgirls in the targeted counties.