Period poverty: UNFPA demands pad banks in Nigerian schools

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has called for the establishment of sanitary pad banks in schools across Nigeria to prevent girls from missing classes and examinations due to menstruation. Dr. Zubaida Abubakar, UNFPA Gender/GBV Management Specialist, made the call at the Nigeria Menstrual Health Product Forum 2026 in Lagos, where stakeholders demanded reforms to make menstrual products safe, standardised and affordable. Abubakar noted that the rising cost of menstrual products, inadequate water and sanitation facilities, and limited access to quality products are deepening period poverty among women and girls. She urged governments, civil society organizations, donors, philanthropists and foundations to support the initiative.

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